"^^
CORNELL
UNIVERSITY
ilr
LIBRARY
Martin P. Catherwood Library
School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Cornell University
Library
The original of tliis book is in
tine Cornell University Library.
There are no known copyright restrictions in
the United States on the use of the text.
http://www.archive.org/details/cu31 924091 51 9508
History
OF THE
Great and Little Bolton
Co-operative Society
Limited,
SHOWING FIFTY YEARS' PROGRESS,
18594909.
BY
F. W. Peaples.
a SOUVENIR
IN COMMEMORATION OF THE
SOCIETY'S JUBILEE.
TO
MRS. MARY ANN ASHTON,
THE ONE WOMAN WHO SO GREATLY
HELPED CO-OPERATION LOCALLY
IN ITS EARLY DAYS,
I DEDICATE THIS BOOK
AS A MEMENTO OF
HER WORK AND SERVICE.
Property of
MARTIN P. CATHERWOOD LIBRARY
NEWYORKSTATESCHOOLO^
INDUSTRIAL AND LABOR RELATIONS
Cornell ilniversi^
Preface.
CHE main purpose of this book is to mark out the
Jubilee of the Great and Little Bolton Co-operative
Society, and to set forth for the encouragement of
others how a few working men, with plenty of determination
and good sense, founded and set going in our town one of
the greatest factors for good that has ever been accomplished
in the annals of local history. Its issue is to provide each
member with a Jubilee History of the Society, and it forms
one of the events decided upon as part of the celebrations
inaugurated in connection therewith.
To all those who have joined the originators, and have
been their successors in carrying the movement forward,
high credit is due. The organisation and successful working
of a large Society like ours year by year, and the surprising
operations which have culminated in such a huge success,
are equally entitled to the repute which belongs to all great
enterprises.
My acknowledgments and thanks are due first of all to
Mr. William Bentley (the Society's Secretary), whose ability,
kindness, and readiness to help in all the little details which
he alone had access to have been of the greatest possible
service to me. To him must be given credit for the
production of the tree which illustrates the financial progress
8 Preface.
of the Society, and also for the compilation of the figures
in the table of statistics in the chapter headed " Facts at a
Glance," and the list of the sixty-six Pioneers of the Society,
which was only obtained by careful search. To Mr. Joseph
Pomfret (the present Manager) I am indebted for the
figures under the heading of the " Stores and Central
Departments," and for some general information and help
in the elucidation of several knotty points. To all the old
members who have so readily supplied me with the little
facts I needed to build up the section on the " Early Doings
of the Society " my thanks are tendered, as reliable records
are not to be found. Many others have assisted with details,
and their help has been appreciated.
In the work necessary for the spread of Co-operation
there is a unifying force which grips the interest and sym-
pathy of those who are drawn together by its influence,
and which helps them to rise above the fetters of creed and
party, and to put forth their best efforts, regardless often
of any material reward to be obtained by so doing. This is
brought out by the fact that early Committees worked
without fee or reward, except in the consciousness that they
were doing their duty faithfully and well in working for
others' good as well as for their own. Ignorant, unlettered
men, unaccustomed as they were to business, they yet made
up in enthusiasm what they lacked in knowledge.
Bolton " trotters," as they are familiarly called, are
generally regarded as possessing solid vigour, and the rise
of this Society amply proves that ; but the greater the
capacity the greater the good sense and need to reach out to
stiU greater achievements. The attention I have had to
give to the records of the Society has given me a new
Preface. g
conception of their character and merits, and the example
of the Bolton Pioneers has not been fully estimated as it
deserves.
Most of the illustrations are the work of Mr. F. Proctor,
Bark Street.
As this Society becomes more widely known by means
of its Jubilee History, its remarkable features will be more
readily acknowledged. As a purely Lancashire Society it
easily stands first, and for general all-round standing we
must give regard to its high claims.
Long ago the Society attained to a position of influence
and made its power felt in the town, and it is naturally in
sympathy with all that tends to the furtherance of the
general good. This is why at this auspicious Jubilee time,
through its Directorate, it seeks to spread abroad a work
which may of itself be insignificant, but it is the first of its
kind in Bolton ; and it is hoped that it may be regarded as
worthy to be treasured in the homes of all those who have
the true welfare of Co-operation fully at heart.
F. W. Peaples.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
List of Officers 15
Committee of Seven Appointed to Start the Society 16
First Committee, 1859 16
Pioneers : The Sixty-six Members who Formed the Society,
October, 1859 19
Co-operative Wants 20
Co-operation 21
Early Efforts Prior to Our Own 25
Early Doings of the Society 29
Making Progress 36
General History —
1859-1860 43
1861-1864 48
1865 57
1866 63
1867 69
1S68-1869 75
1870 79
1871-1872 85
1873-1875 90
1876-1878 98
1879-1880 113
Twenty-one Years 117
1880 121
1881-1882 124
1883-1884 131
1885-1886 139
Contents. ii
General History — continued. p^qe
1889-1890 153
1891-1892 163
1893 ' 173
1894 181
1895 190
1896 198
1897 207
1898 218
1899 231
1900 239
1901 249
1902 259
1903 277
1904 291
1905 307
1906 319
1907 327
1908 339
1909 351
Past and Present Oificers 363
Trustees and Arbitrators 369
Auditors 372
Stores and Central Departments 375
Employeis' Hours and Holidays 381
Rise and Growth of the Reserve and Insurance Fund 388
Rise and Growth of our Building Department 391
Solving the Housing Problem 398
Facts at a Glance 402
Rules 410
Building Department Rules 420
Manchester Ship Canal 424
12 Contents.
PAGE
Story of the Bugle Horn Colliery 427
Our Connection with the Coal Society 434
Local Co-operative Efforts —
Makers of the Movement, chiefly Pioneers 443
Representatives 468
Officials 484
" Divi." Day 511
Co-operators and Income Tax 5r3
The Society's History 518
The Jubilee Celebrations —
A Huge Trading Concern 519
The Bolton Co-operative Exhibition 524
Co-operative Veterans 533
Art and Education 536
Departments of the Society 552
The Educational Committee and its Work 574
Women's Guild 584
The Bolton ' ' Record " 589
The Co-operative Wholesale Society Limited 591
The Bolton Co-operative Cabinet-makers' Society Limited 595
Balance Sheet History —
1859-1862 599
1863-1865 607
1866-1869 613
1870-1872 619
1873-1880 627
1881-1884 635
1885-1892 641
1893-igoo 647
igoi-igog 654
List of Illustrations.
PAGE
Central Premises, comprising Grocery, Confectionery, Jewellery,
Furniture, and Boot and Shoe Departments Frontispiece
First Shop used by the Society, in Derby Street 3
Mrs. Mary Ann Ashton, First Treasurer 17
Mr. Walter Vickers, one of the Pioneers 17
Mr. James Horridge, one of the Founders 17
Mr. William Crankshaw, First Permanent Secretary 41
Mr. C, Ditchfield, late Cashier of the Society 41
Mr. Henry Gerrey, a former Manager 41
Rose Hill Store as originally built 59
Burns Street Store as originally built 59
Hibbert Street Store as originally built 107
Darcy Lever Store as originally built 107
Thwaites Street Store 107
Daubhill Store, No. 3 (Grocery and Butchering) 125
Bakery Department, Kay Street 135
Dairy Department, Kay Street 145
Eskrick Street Store (Grocery, Boot and Shoe, and Butchering
Departments) 169
Burnden Branch, comprising Grocery, Butchering, and Boot and
Shoe Departments 203
Central Tailoring Department 213
Central Premises, comprising Large Hall, Grocery and Confec-
tionery Departments, with Restaurant in Basement 245
All Saints' Street Stables 255
Central Premises, Outfitting Department and Entrance to Ware-
house 281
14 List of Illustrations.
PAGE
Drapery Department, Bridge Street and St. George's Road 297
New OfiSces and Educational Department 337
Danby Road New Store (Grocery and Butchering) 349
Jubilee President and Ex-Presidents of the Society 361
Bolton Co-operators' Growing Tree 405
OflScials and Managers of the Society 441
Mr. Thomas Entwistle, a former Auditor 461
Mr. James Crook, a former Auditor 461
Mr. William Yates, President of the Society 469
Mr. Joseph Pomfret, General Manager 485
Mr. Wm. Bentley, A.C.I. S., General Secretary 489
Mr. William Sheppard , Cashier of the Society 493
Mr. Alfred Hackney, J. P., late Manager of the Society 507
Jubilee Donations 521
Opening the Exhibition 527
Opening of New Offices and Educational Department 537
Committee of Management 543
Boot and Shoe Window 563
Educational Committee 575
Women's Guild Committee 585
Mr. F. W. Peaples, Assistant Secretary and Librarian. History
Writer 597
Great and Little Bolton
Co-operative Society Limited*
Jubilee, 1909.
LIST OF OFFICERS.
President: Mr. WILLIAM YATES.
Directors :
Mr. OSWALD ROTHWELL.
„ WM. MARTINDALE.
„ THOMAS CROSSLEY.
, JOHN NUTTALL.
Mr. JOHN T. WALKDEN.
„ WILLIAM VOSE.
„ T- W. HIRST.
„ WM. FORBER, J.P.
General Manager: Mr. JOSEPH POMFRET.
Secretary: Mr. WILLIAM BENTLEY, A.C.I.S.
Cashier: Mr. WILLIAM SHEPPARD.
Auditors: Messrs. P. and J. KEVAN.
Solicitors: Messrs. FULLAGAR, HULTON, BAILEY, & Co.
Bankers : CO-OPERATIVE WHOLESALE SOCIETY LIMITED.
EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE.
Chairman: Mr. THOMAS DOBSON.
Treasurer: Mr. THOMAS LEE.
Committee
Mr. THOMAS BENSON.
„ JOHN SEED.
Mr. WILLIAM GREGSON.
„ SAMUEL DA VIES.
„ THOMAS MATHER.
Secretary and Librarian: Mr. JAMES M. GRINDROD.
Assistant Secretary and Librarian : Mr. F. W. PEAPLES.
COMMITTEE OF SEVEN APPOINTED TO
START THE SOCIETY.
John Morton. John Hollas.
James Eccles. William Heys.
James Horridge. John Bullough.
Joseph Bridge.
THE FIRST COMMITTEE, 1859.
John Morton, President.
John Howarth. John Bridge.
Thomas Bullough. John Bullough.
William Heys. James Horridge.
James Eccles. John Hollas.
Secretary : William Crankshaw.
Treasurer : Mrs. Ashton.
Small'l as these two items are, it has taken many months o£
patient research to estabUsh them with any degree of certainty.
<f-^
X"'^^ ,„Ar TT7P i;Tri-iins /^ C ,''■''». Me JAMES HORRIDGE, /
Z j^^^ U ^.^j- — r
PIONEERS.
THE SIXTY-SIX MEMBERS WHO FORMED THE SOCIETY,
OCTOBER, 1859.
I Mary Ann Ashton.
34 Samuel Worthington.
2 John Morton.
*35 George Shepherd.
3 James Eccles.
36 William Humphreys."
*4 William Flitcroft.
37 George Jas. Wood.
5 James Horridge.
38 James Fletcher.
6 Joseph Bridge.
39 Thomas Chadwick.
7 John Bridge.
40 James Mort.
8 John Hollas.
*4i Joseph Fowler.
9 James Berry.
42 John Smith.
ID William Watson.
43 John Parker.
II William Smith.
44 Thomas Ashton.
12 Richard Warburton.
45 Robert He yes.
13 John Bullough.
46 James Lindley.
14 William Roberts.
47 Joseph Thomasson.
15 Thomas Nuttall.
48, Henry Horridge.
16 Thomas Marsden.
49 John Moore.
17 Samuel Fletcher.
50 John Howarth.
18 Thomas Bullough.
51 Henry Howarth.
19 Joshua Knowles.
52 Robert Grime.
20 James Eccles.
53 James Hamer.
21 John Hamer.
54 Richard Wood.
22 Joseph Haslam.
55 William Yates.
23 Walter Vickers.
56 Richard Marginson.
24 Richard Bleakley.
57 Jonathan Moore.
25 Richard Moscrop.
58 James Smethurst.
26 William Crankshaw.
59 Robert Kirkman.
27 Robert Crook.
60 John Anderson.
28 John Fletcher.
61 William Southern.
29 John Turner.
62 Henry Alsop.
30 Joseph Gidman.
63 Thomas Dewhurst.
31 William Jolly.
64 William Eccleshire.
32 William Heys.
65 Nathan Berry.
33 James Bullough.
66 William Pilkington.
*
Still living.
Members used to sign the
" Declaration Book " at the house ol
Robert Grime.
Thomas Ashton, the son of Mary Ann Ashton, occasionally
assisted his mother in the work of the Treasurership of the Society.
CO-OPERATIVE WANTS.
What do Co-operators principally need ?
Plenty of honesty in thought, and word, and deed ;
Plenty of desire towards all men to be just ;
Cash dealings plenty, very few on trust ;
Members, enough for their principles to tell ;
Managers, competent to manage business well ;
Directors, who believe Co-operation to be true.
And who place faith in old friends rather than in new.
Patience, to persevere in what they undertake,
Forbearance to each other, for Co-operation's sake.
Rules fair to all, and securing legal aid ;
Full accounts of everything that's owing, gain'd, or paid ;
Clear reports, good auditors, and safe guarantees ;
Officials, sharp-eyed, but not too hard to please.
Lastly, but not least, sufificient sense to know
That it is by saving profits businesses grow.
Practise these rules, and in time you may be great ;
Break them, and they'll break you, as certainly as fate.
—E. V. Neale.
CHAPTER I.
CO-OPERATION.
Aim of Co-operation — Its Uplifting Force — Growth in Power —
Policy — Value of Organisation — Its Mighty Figures —
Benefits for All — Relief of Debt.
CO-OPERATION is an aggregation of men and women,
with all their natural and acquired qualities, for
the purpose of obtaining a common object, and a
Co-operative Society is held together by the expectation
that each member will be a gainer. To achieve that
desirable result three important elements are necessary,
viz., property, intelligence, and the power of combination.
If these essentials are possessed by its promoters there is
not much to fear ; but to conduct business for, and give
satisfaction to, a multitude is no easy task.
Humanity is so varied in its mental, moral, and physical
aspects, and contains such a wide range for thought, that
we can only hope to succeed by a free reciprocation of ideas
and a cultivation of that meekness which will teach us how
to comprehend and obey truth. Lack of faith in themselves
and their own class has been a curious feature in the history
of the working classes. The Co-operative movement has
done much to remove that want of confidence, but its
achievements in this direction are not yet complete.
Once the wealthy believed it to be opposed to their
interest ; civil law afforded it no protection ; the moral
sense scouted it, and religious prejudice condemned it.
Nevertheless, Co-operation has become a " power in the
State " : the wealthy have ceased to whine ; civil law
protects it ; and the moral and religious sense of the
community is almost universally in its favour.
In glancing over the history of association we find that
this has been accomplished gradually, and in proportion as
22 History of the Great and Little Bolton
the public mind has become accustomed to discussion and
critical inquiry, which has enriched it with new forms of
truth, and taught men their duties, by establishing in their
minds higher and nobler notions of right.
If the progress of these principles has prepared the
public for Co-operation, its consummation must require a
policy that will extend them, not as a part of Co-operation,
but as a useful and necessary mental and moral discipline
for self-defence, which wUl keep and make the mind equal
to any possible progress, or any change of circumstances,
without being beholden to, and weakened by, the influence
of foreign sympathy, charity, or patronage. We must
base our action on a principle that will encourage and
develop courtesy and independence, without insolence,
arrogance, or imputation, because we have already too
many conflicts in our Societies which are almost the entire
product of the imagination and feelings.
If it be required to have a knowledge of the art of
organisation and the conduct of business before working
men can really get hold of wealth, they must make them-
selves equal to the occasion or be content to remain poor.
Their terrestrial destiny is all but in their own hands, and
will be all 'the more sweet when leavened with the dignity
that grows out of liberty and independence. It may not be
expedient to peril the existence of a Society by the untimely
discussion of principles necessary to obtain progress ; but
if we are not sufficiently militant to keep the public ear
informed of them, they will lose their power of inspiration,
and leave the community open to other influences which
less concern their welfare.
Timely and discreet discussion keeps the human mind
alive, and develops those moral principles and influences
which have the power to maintain themselves when once
established ; but the predominance of particular opinion
is the forerunner of retrogression, hence systematic
antagonism is the only condition of permanent stability.
Rival powers, tending in different directions, modify each
other, and thus promote national greatness and industrial
well-being. If we examine our own minds, and try to find
there what we believe to be possible, and hope to attain,
Co-operative Society Limited.. 23
and contrast it with what is now accomplished in the world,
shall we not find that much has been attempted, and has
failed on account of feeble support, because it has not met
with the approbation of public opinion ? Has not
Co-operation too often been the victim and shared the same
fate as other associations ? If this be true, the freedom of
the Press and the platform ought to be sacred to Co-opera-
tors ; and if we would be equal to future emergencies, then
principles must have the means to lay hold of the public
mind.
Figures in connection with the Co-operative movement
have now become so great that one might easily base
calculations upon them that are startling. One result of
such an exercise is to give the demonstrator a faint idea
that he is dreaming, rather than dealing with an everyday
reality.
Co-operation knows neither rich nor poor. It is
impartial in the benefits it confers. All, whatever their
station or means, may join hands in the Co-operative
movement and mutually help each other. Those who have
only limited incomes probably most realise its tangible
results. Few ever repent joining a Co-operative Society
when they have shared in the substantial reward of the
dividend. To the poor especially Co-operation opens up
many a possibility which otherwise would be unattainable,
and those who desire the welfare of the struggling multitude
of toilers heartily wish they were all drawn within the
Co-operative fold. Of course, it is not possible to help those
who will not help themselves, and there is an idle, thriftless,
roving section of poor people who appear beyond the pale
of Co-operative effort. Another large section live from
hand to mouth with the millstone of debt weighing them
down. They are always in the books of the nearest shop-
keepers, and pay toll for their poverty. Of these there is
more hope. Some have been encouraged to struggle out of
this state of chronic debt, and now glory in their indepen-
dence. Only those who have been constantly behindhand,
and subject to the constant victimising, understand
what it is to hold up their heads and be free from
debt. It is possible for a greater number to enjoy this
24
History of the Great and Little Bolton
freedom, but how are they to get over the stile ? Our
Society is helping, in increasing numbers, poor people to
share in the advantages of the Stores. In hundreds of cases
the hindrance is debt ; they have to pay for what they have
consumed before they can obtain a fresh stock. Comfort
and independence are enjoyed in thousands of homes to-day
in a large degree through the operations of our Society, and
all lovers of the common weal will not slacken their exertions
until we touch every portion of the community.
C^^C=^
Co-operative Society Limited, 25
CHAPTER II.
EARLY EFFORTS PRIOR TO OUR OWN.
" All for the cause."
" For the cause alone is worthy, till the good d^ys bring the best."
— William Morris.
Bolton Friendly Co-operative Society — Suffering of the
Workers — Stimulated Efforts — Law Protection Lacking —
Smallness of Societies — Means Lacking — Present-day
Successes — Rise of the Workman — Repeal of Combina-
tion Laws — Solving Social Problems by Co-operation.
BEFORE our Society started, and, even afterwards,
several other attempts were made locally to introduce
Co-operation into this district. The chief attempt
was made in 185 1 by the Bolton Friendly Co-operative
Society, whose offices were situated at 27; Moor Lane. Its
objects and plans were — to form arrangements for the
pecuniary benefit and improvement of the social and
domestic condition of its members, by raising a sufficient
amount of capital to establish a Store, for the purpose of
better enabling them to purchase food, fuel, clothing, or
other necessaries, or the tools, implements, or materials of
their trade or calling, &c. ; and for the purpose of selling or
distributing the same amongst its members ; and also for
the frugal investment of the savings of its members. And
that the shares shall not be transferable, and the investment
of each mernber shall accumulate or be employed for the
sole benefit of the member investing. This Society ran
practically along the same lines as ours has done, but it had
one or two novel features. Two pounds of each member's
investment had to be permanent or fixed capital, and the
promise of taking five shares was enacted as in ours. The
management of the Stores was entrusted to the officers and
Board of Directors for the time being, subject to the control
26 History of the Great and Little Bolton
of the quarterly meeting, and trustees were required to hold
the deeds in their names. A list of fines were imposed for
offences. John Morton, who figured in connection with the
start of our Society, was one of the officers of the Co-operative
Friendly Society, which eventually failed through lack of
support caused by slack times in the handloom weaving
trade. The father of Mr. John Kirkman, one of our present
representatives, was also connected with it. When the
turnover got too small to be profitable, operations ceased
and the Society was wound up, each member getting his
proportion of the assets remaining.
The great suffering of the workers at this time, after the
Industrial Revolution had driven men into the factories and
workshops, and changed their condition from comparative
freedom to one of slavery, eventually led to many move-
ments being started for their benefit. It also had much to
do with rousing them to put forth efforts themselves to
improve their own condition.
Many Societies were ruined in the early days because
they could not obtain the protection of the law. If private
businesses had been so placed the same results would have
followed. The ancient Co-operative Societies were so small
in number of their members, so deficient in capital, and so
limited in business that great results could not be accom-
plished, and when the novelty of the thing had worn off the
members ceased to struggle for the small ones, and the
Societies died out. In proof of this I may mention that
when a tabular return was presented to the third Co-
operative Congress, the Rochdale Society of 1863 would be
more than all of them put together. The Co-operative
Societies of the first period obtained but little public support.
People generally believed that the Government could do
everything for them that could be done, that nothing of
consequence could be done apart from those beneficial
changes it was in its power to give ; hence. Co-operative
Societies were easily swallowed up in Trade Unionism, Free
Tradeism, Chartism, and Communism. The Societies of the
first period were unequal to the business and competition
of the times, and avoided rather than fought with them, in
the hope that the love of Co-operation in the hearts of those
Co-operative Society Limited. 27
who adopted it would be quite sufficient to make it prosper.
Alas ! for humanity, then and now, there are very few who
will seek the truth at almost any cost, and state it at almost
any risk. The working classes understood far less about
business then than now, and were far more easily dis-
couraged and inclined to give up in despair when things
went wrong. Co-operation is not a self-acting machine — it
requires constant attention. The neglect of a quarter may
undo the success of years. The Co-operators of the first
period attempted great things with inadequate means ;
their hopes were raised too high, and when they fell they fell
never to rise again. These early workers and dreamers had
no successful examples to guide them ; they had everything
to learn, few to teach, and many to discourage them.
Now great examples abound on every hand, of which
our own Society may well claim to be one, and objections
to Co-operators are laughed at and treated with contempt.
No one is willing now to put his name to a declaration that
Co-operation is neither possible or desirable, and that it has
not been a splendid success.
The Co-operators of the first period had but little
confidence in themselves, less in their leaders, and expected
others to do for them what they should have done for
themselves. Co-operation is self-supporting ; knock it
down who can. Successful Co-operation in the early days
was a prospect ; now it is a fact. Then it could do but
small things ; now it can do great ones. Then it could talk
great things and do small ; now it does great things and
talks small.
The history of the English working man may be summed
up in one word — progress. He was a slave ; he became a
serf ; then a freeman, having full liberty to dispose of his
labour to anyone who would buy it at the price offered.
These changes have not been brought about by expecting
others to do for him the things which he ought to have done
for himself. Self-help has been his motto in the past — it
must be his motto in the present and in the future if he is
ever to enjoy all the advantages which society can give.
Hitherto he has struggled individually for progress ; hence-
forth he must do it unitedly, or he cannot succeed.
28 History of the Great and Little Bolton
The last positive discouragement of class legislation was
swept away by the repeal of the Combination Laws. Then,
and then only, was it legal for working men to unite to
promote their own interests,
Why is the case altered ?
Because the history of Co-operative Societies — now their
purport is better understood and under the protection of
the law — proves that they are among the most successful
trading efforts of modern times.
They have also solved many social problems which,
previous to their establishment, were considered almost
insolvable, so far as the capacity for business among working
men is concerned.
Their tendency also is to confer immediate and
permanent personal and local advantages upon all who
take part in or are influenced by them.
Wherever local trading has stood in need of reform, from
the quality and price of the articles sold, that reform has
been quietly and effectually accomplished.
It has also shown that Co-operative Societies are at one
and the same time the safest and most profitable investments
which the working man can find for his savings, and, by
their productive power, a real help in time of need. The
success already achieved is now clearly of a permanent
character, and has withstood the shock of adverse fortune
in the days of the cotton famine to an extent quite marvellous
to those who are not thoroughly acquainted with its
character, object, and principles. They illustrate well the
value of small beginnings, and how great results may, by
perseverance, spring from them.
Finally, though as yet but in the infancy of development,
they have already produced greater results than all the
other social agencies of society put together — forming at
one and the same time the best savings bank, the best means
of being free from debt, the best road to self-employment
and the profits of trade, and the very best educational
institute.
Co-operative Society Limited. 2g
CHAPTER III.
EARLY DOINGS OF THE SOCIETY.
"Let the workmen of Britain train themselves in the corporate
spirit, and in the obedience and self-control which it brings, as they
easily can in associations, and bear in mind always that only he
who can obey is fit to rule." — 'Charles Kingsley.
Start of Society — Credit of Raising Question of Co-operation
Locally — Discussing the Chances of Success — A Start
Made — A Night Opening — Opening in the Daytime —
Lively Times — Opposition Rife — Goods Fetched by Truck
— Second Shop Opened — Paper Checks Used — Half-
penny Checks Abolished — Management Services given
without Payment — Tea Parties Started.
OUR Society first commenced business in the year 1859.
Handloom weavers at this time were the greatest
politicians and agitators known, so it is not sur-
prising to find that, when they heard about the movement
at Rochdale for the benefit of the working classes, they were
soon actively debating the question at their usual meeting
place on Bolton Moor, then Mr. Thomas Ashton's beerhouse
in Derby Street, now known as " The Half-way House."
The credit for raising the question of Co-operation locally
is given to Mr. John Morton, then of Bolton, but formerly
of Rochdale, and who figured largely in connection with
the early Co-operative work of the town prior to the starting
of our own Society, being also one of the Committee of the
Bolton Friendly Society, which failed before this Society
started.
After they had made up their minds that something
should be done, not only was the question actively discussed
here, but also at their places of work, and in the various
houses of the district then recognised as "camping shops."
These were usually the abode of some single man, and the
house was open to everybody who wanted a chat about the
30 History of the Great and Little Bolton
topics of the day. As their incomes were small and their
expenses heavy, they could only afford the bare necessaries
of life, such as porridge, &c., which was then the staple
food of the day. We can readily understand them being
somewhat dissatisfied with the order of things then in
vogue. Consequently, after much discussion of the pros
and cons, they decided something ought to be done, and a
deputation, consisting of Mr. John Morton, Mr. William
Heys, Mr. James Horridge, and Mr. John Bullough, visited
Rochdale, to see how they managed things there. The
deputation came back fully primed with facts relating to
that Society, and convinced that a Co-operative Societ}'
was what was wanted in Bolton. They preached Co-opera-
tion to all and sundry, at all times and all seasons, whenever
and wherever they could get a few hearers ; with the result
that a few men pledged themselves to give the movement
a trial. The chief meetings were held at Mr. Ashton's,
and as he took great interest in the scheme he gave his
name in as the first member registered.
The first duty was to raise money, which, of course, led
to the appointment of a Treasurer, and Mr. Thomas Ashton
was at once appointed, and for a time did all he could to
further the interests of the embryo Society, but was not
permitted to see the results of his work, for before the time
of the opening of the first shop he died, and Mrs. Ashton,
who all along had been at one with her husband, was
appointed Treasurer in his stead. This position was filled
by her with credit for very many years — in fact, until the
Bridge Street Stores were built, and proper provision was
made for the money being kept at the offices, she received
and duly cared for the Society's cash, and in every way
acted fully as Treasurer, even though she had no set office
except her own home. Perhaps the most important thing
done to aid the Society by Mrs. Ashton, familiarly known
as " Gladdy " Ashton, was the offer of a shop in which to
commence business, as she said, " You can have the shop,
and if you are successful you must pay the usual rent ; if
not successful, and no rent can be paid, it will be all right."
This shop was next door to her beerhouse, and it was granted
to the embryo Society on a fourteen years' lease at £14 a
Co-operative Society Limited. 31
year. That this shop was worth more than the figure it
was leased at then is proved by the rent paid to-day for the
same premises.
Thus stirnulated, the effort was made. It is interesting
to note that from the very first women have had to do with
the Society, and have helped to make it a success, and it is
to the women that the Society looks for its still further
advancement.' The first subscriptions paid were 3d.
weekly, or 3s. 3d. per quarter, and each man pledged him-
self to pay this until such a time that he had £5 standing to
his credit in the Society, when he was considered a full
member. Subscriptions could be paid in full, but few were
able to do this. Not deterred, we find them working
bravely on from the early part of the year, 'until at a meeting
held at Mr. Thomas Ashton's on the first day of August,
1859, 3- code of rules was drawn up and adopted. They
were sent up to the Registrar of Friendly Societies, signed
by John Morton, Robert Crook, and Joseph Bridge, as
members, and by John Bridge, as Secretary, and were
returned registered as the " Great and Little Bolton Equit-
able Industrial Co-operative Society Limited " on the i8th
of August. Although they registered this ambitious title,
they were cautious men in those days, and they did not
trade under it, but when they had everything ready to start
business, on November 4th, 1859, in the shop then numbered
37A, Derby Street, they traded under the name of Mr. Jos.
Bridge, who was a foreman over the doublers at Thomas
Taylor's mill in Lever Street. This shop was not opened
without much misgiving, notwithstanding the Pioneers of
Rochdale had successfully demonstrated the advantages of
this system of Co-operation. These men, whom we must
call the pioneers of our movement in Bolton, and to whom
the whole of our members owe a debt of gratitude, set to
work in real earnest, and sat at Mr. Ashton's regularly to
enrol members and to receive subscriptions. A Mr.
Smithies used to come over from Rochdale and give them
lectures and advice prior to the shop opening. Being a
Committee-man of the Rochdale Society, his help was very
valuable to them, and when they 'proposed opening the shop
only at nights, he strongly advised them to delay a little
32 History of the Great and Little Bolton
while and get a little more capital together, so that, when
they did open, if things seemed to do all right, they could
speedily open in the daytime. They took his advice, and
delayed opening until November 4th. The. shop, when
opened, only sold dry goods, such as tea, sugar, rice, meal,
barley, soap, potatoes, and flour. When the first bag of
sugar arrived at the shop it caused such a commotion in the
neighbourhood that everybody said, " Th' owd weighvers
were beawnt upset country." However, it was weighed
out in small quantities and sold.
For a short time the shop only opened at nights, after
factory hours, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and our pioneers used
to attend in turns to weigh out the goods. So eager were
they that John BuUough spoilt a new suit of clothes by
weighing out flour. Bread and butter were only sold when
the shop opened in the daytime, under the management of
Mr. John Holland. The Committee attended every evening
and gave all the assistance they could, even fetching
the bread in clothes baskets from a local baker's over
Fletcher Street Bridge. The practice of sending out bread
to be baked by a local baker was common then even among
householders. Different members of the Committee were
told off to purchase different kinds of goods, and they had
to visit the wholesale houses in the town for that purpose.
They -did have some lively times, especially among the pigs,
which were bought, killed, and then cut up in the grocer's
shop, members giving their orders for the different parts
beforehand. After a time, however, when it was recognised
that there was ready-money in the movement, travellers
were very anxious to get interviews with the Committee at
their meetings, many of them taking very considerable
trouble to accomplish this ; so it soon became quite unneces-
sary for them to go and seek for goods — they were offered
them in quantities,which saved them a considerable amount
of work. For a time Sam Fletcher used to stand near the
door of the shop called " The Little Teapot," in Knowsley
Street, which was very popular in those days, and advertise
the society by giving out bills to all frequenters there.
It was not all smooth sailing by any means, as their
first shopman soon retired, and was succeeded by Mr. John
Co-operative Society Limited. 33
Bridge, who had been shopman for a bleachworks at
Bradshaw. Opposition was rife on every hand, more par-
ticularly among the local shopkeepers, who did all they
could to foster this spirit, and used every means (as is the
case now) to bring discredit on the movement. They did
succeed in arousing a spirit of suspicion in the minds of
many — a thing easily done then — so much so that the
parents of James Yates, who was the first shop boy
employed by the Society, considered it was hardly respect-
able enough for him, so he was taken away and obtained
a situation in the Bolton Public Library, from which, after
thirteen years' service, he got appointed to the Public
Library at Leeds as Chief Librarian. John Howarth, cut
looker at Pearson's Bradshawfield Mill, Little Bolton, who
was a resident on Bolton Moor, persuaded many of his
fellow workers to become members of the Society. A
number of these resided in Prince Street, near Barlow and
Jones's MiUs, and they persuaded a few to join from there
also. These Little Bolton members were quite as enthu-
siastic as their fellows on the Moor, and, borrowing Pearson's
truck, they used every Friday evening to go to the Derby
Street shop and purchase their requirements for the week.
The regular passage of this truck, accompanied by a body of
men, used to cause the shopkepers to assemble at their
doors and chaff them. They got as much as they gave in
return, and on the homeward journey, when some of the
party had imbibed some "Dutch courage " at Mrs. Ashton's,
the usual stopping place, things got lively, and the fun
became fast and furious, and, "trotting " being the order of
the day, some amusing sallies of wit used to brighten their
way. Although heavily laden with goods purchased,
indirectly they advertised the Society, and undoubtedly
got the movement spread more and more over the town,
so that when their loads became too big to be comfortably
managed they agitated for a shop in Little Bolton, and one
was opened in Manor Street, or, as it was then better known.
Bank Street. This being the site of the old open market,
stalls being placed in the streets for the sale of goods, it was
a more important street then from a business point of view
than it is now. Most of the meetings in connection with
34 History of the Great and Little Bolton
the agitation for this, and even afterwards, were held in the
watch-house of Thomas Pearson and Son's, Bradshawfield
Mill.
This shop was a small provision establishment even
before the Society took it over, and it was well known in the
district as the " Blackymoor Shop," from a small figure
placed over the door. Opening this shop brought in a few
more members. No entrance fee was necessary at the
commencement, as they were only too glad to get members,
but the promise of taking up a £5 share was exacted,
members joining at the shop, and some member of the Com-
mittee proposing them. The " Co-op." then made arrange-
ments with different shops in the town who supplied its
members with goods not then sold by the Society and
allowed a percentage on the sales to the Society, the
members getting credit for the amount spent.
It is singular to find that, when the Society first started,
numbered paper checks were given, not, of course, so
elaborate as the present check system, but still in a rough
way fully adequate to the needs of the moment, seeing that
the members could not afford or spare enough money to
purchase the dies necessary for stamping out the tin checks
eventually used. These paper credits were a distinct boon
to the members, because they could be exchanged over the
counter, either for cash or its value, on the basis of is. gd.
in the ■£. Members used to sell their checks at any time, it
not then being absolutely necessary to keep them until they
reached a full pound, checks as low as 3s. to 6s. being taken
over the counter and value given in exchange. Many a
poor member appreciated the privilege thus accorded.
When tin checks were introduced they were issued in all
values from a halfpenny up to a pound. The halfpenny
checks were only used for a short time and then they were
abolished, a very strong argument used which led up to this
being that if a man bought half an ounce of tobacco, he
would need two checks, halfpenny and a penny ; and, if
he either gave them away or, worse still, threw them away,
the Society got no profit, because the cost of these two checks
would swallow all the profits on the half-ounce of tobacco ;
hence, halfpenny checks ceased, and were not revived again
Co-operative Society Limited. 35
for a great many years. For a time both General Committee
and Educational Committee gave their services free, but as
the Society progressed they were allowed £1 per quarter for
the General Committee and 7s. 6d. per quarter for the
Educational Committee. The first tea party held in
connection with the Society was a dinnering at Mrs. Ashton's,
at which about 30 members were present. This sounds
contradictory, but tea parties as we know them now were
non-existent. The second tea party was held at Acresfield,
and, ye gods ! members had to take their own pots. After
this the parties were usually held on New Year's Day, at the
Baths, and followed by an all-night dance, the music being
supplied by a Reed Band. Walter Vickers used to teach
the members to dance at the Reading-room, Acresfield, after
the room was closed, the Committee readily giving per-
mission, a concertina and also a fiddle player being pressed
into the service. Nothing was paid for services then if it
could be avoided, even the shop cleaner, Mrs. Waring, only
received the bits of bacon, soap, &c., left after weighing out,
as her payment for services rendered.
jL
36 History of the Great and Little Bolton
CHAPTER IV.
MAKING PROGRESS.
"Mighty things from small beginnings grow."
First Meetings — Changes of Meeting Place — Central Premises
Decided upon — Site Selected not considered Suitable — Its
Value To-day — Faith of Committee — Management Fund —
First Report Issued — Shares taken in Rochdale Corn Mill
— Two-and-a-half per cent Allotted for Educational Pur-
poses— Opposition to Cash Trading Principle — Some
Personal Recollections — Actual Date of Starting — Simple
Fittings of First Shop — Personal Co-operation Usual —
Butcher's Stall taken in Market.
CHE first meetings were held at Mrs. Ashton's, Derby
Street, and as the Society increased in membership
the monthly meetings came to be held at the old
Waterworks Offices, Moor Lane, afterwards being transferred
to the Corporation Offices, Acresfield. This place got too
small, and meetings were again transferred to the Little
Bolton Temperance Hall in Lark Street, from which place
the reserve fund, which is such a backing to the Society,
really emanated, so far as discussion and establishment are
concerned. This building is now used by the Society for
stables. Meetings were afterwards transferred to the
Central Premises when they were opened in 1870.
It is significant to note that when extensions were mooted
at the plot now used as Central Premises, the takings at
first decreased by about ;f2,ooo per quarter. The land,
dipping as it did down to the brook, seemed such an aban-
doned and waste place that croakers prophesied disaster.
The price paid, of about ninepence per yard, also seemed
to be an enormous price then ; but as the land needed no
excavating it was exceedingly cheap, seeing that it dispensed
with a lot of labour in building. Many of our members do
Co-operative Society Limited. 37
not realise even now what an exceedingly valuable asset
this has become to the future of the Society. At the time
this building was considered the Society did not possess any
great quantity of ready cash, and the scheme embarked
upon was at an estimated cost which far exceeded the total
capital of the small Society. Its Committee, however, had
great faith, and believed that the funds would be forthcoming
in some way when needed, even though they could not see
how this was to be accomplished at the time. That this
faith was fully justified we now know. We also realise that
their choice of site was a happy one, even though it did not
seem likely to be so then. It made the Society.
One item we escape now, and that is the management
fund. This fund meant that twopence per quarter was
deducted from each member's book for management
expenses. It appears to have started, judging from the old
member's book I have seen with the deductions made, about
December, 1861, and continued until March, 1864 ; finishing
in June, 1864. It was reduced to one penny per quarter
before being abolished.
The first report and balance sheet was issued for the
period ending March 19th, i860, and shows that the members
were upwards of 200 in number, with a share capital of £525 ;
the amount of business done was ;f 1,491, and the profits
enabled them to pay a dividend of is. 9d. in the £. In their
report the Directors naturally express their piide and
gratification at having achieved so much in so short a time ;
they say it is a pleasure to them to be able to lay before the
members flattering proofs of the soundness of the principles
upon which Co-operation is based, and that it cannot but
give satisfaction to every person interested in its progress.
One or two features in the balance sheet are worthy of
notice — one is, that so early in the history of the Society
they had surplus capital to deal with, and they invested £iH
as share capital with the Rochdale Corn Mill Society, which
commenced a connection which has been kept up to the
present time with advantage to both Societies ; another
point is that out of the first profits 2J per cent was devoted
to educational purposes. This is the grand unselfish feature
of our movement, which has been adhered to throughout
38 History of the Great and Little Bolton
the whole of our history. The first educational grant
amounted to £2. is. 2^d. Until Co-operation was well
estabhshed in Bolton the members had the greatest difficulty
in persuading their wives to trade at the Stores, incredulity
as to there being any benefit in it, prejudices, and old
associations of all sorts having to be got over. The system
of shopping from week to week instead of paying ready cash
had obtained such a firm hold that the idea of a cash-trading
transaction as mooted by the Society savoured somewhat
in the form of a revolution. It was even predicted that
failure would result on these lines, and the Society would
have to " strap " or go out. As soon as the advantages of
cash trading became apparent to all it went with a swing
and steadily grew in importance and interest.
When Co-operation showed itself to be both practicable
and profitable, a state of things just the opposite appeared,
and we find in our time that the wives are, as a rule, more
anxious than the husbands to enjoy the benefits of Co-
operative trading. This fact is very instructive. Early
on we find them so eager to join that many entered their
husbands as members of the Society, even against their wUl.
In the course of my inquiries into the early doings of the
Society, I have been favoured with some personal recollec-
tions from Mr. Henry Horridge BuUough (New Mills, near
Stockport), which may be interesting to many.
In the first place, I daresay my family hold a unique record as far
as connection with the beginnings of the Society are concerned. My
paternal grandfather, Thomas Bullough, was registered No. 2
member. My maternal grandfather, James Horridge, was No. 5,
and my father No. 13, which number is still retained by my sister.
I have many other relations in the first hundred.
The John Howarth you mention was an uncle through marriage.
I question whether there is another family who can claim so close
a connection with the birth of the Society. It was my father's
(John Bullough) clothes that were ruined by weighing flour, and
unfortunately, in my opinion, his health was not improved by the late
hours he put in at the shop. Who can measure the influence of the
services of that first little band on the fortunes of the town and
citizens of Bolton ?
My mother was one of the first customers when the old Derby
Street shop opened, visiting it the first evening. It required no
little moral courage and nerve at that day to face the ridicule that
was opposed to all connected with the movement.
Co-operative Society Limited. 39
I remember the present Derby Street shop being opened, and the
consternation it caused among the shopkeepers. One old lady, who
kept a shop not far away, was made ill when she went to the door
and saw the lights, and also the people streaming in. I have spent
many a good hour waiting my turn in that shop, especially on Thurs-
day or Friday evenings.
My father, and others employed at Pearson's, used to bring the
orders from Little Bolton before any shop was opened at that end of
the town, and the goods were got ready, if possible, before the hand-
cart was brought.
My grandfather, James Horridge, was one of the first to buy
pigs for the Society.
As the Society prospered, it was a sore point between the older
and younger members as to the extensions that should be made.
The former, naturally, were ultra cautious, and I have heard my
father say that they wanted to keep it like a halfpenny toffee shop.
Large, commodious premises were not very common in those days.
I am afraid some of the old folks would have died of apoplexy if
they had lived to see the present Drapery establishment. No matter,
they rendered faithful service in the early and critical days, which
was the solid backing needed to ensure the future prosperity that has
ensued.
Although we usually say that the Society commenced
operations on November 4th, 1859, stiU, for all that, the
actual starting date of the Society was August ist, 1859.
August 1st ought always to be memorable as the date on
which the first subscriptions were paid, the first code of rules
drawn up, and active personal canvassing operations for
members set going. A small temporary Committee of
seven was appointed to look after and arrange for a start.
Of the success of this work we know. Small at first, it
gradually grew until we record with pride the great work
the Society is now able to accomplish in the town. At the
opening of the shop for business purposes on November 4th
nothing was spent in the way of elaborate shop fittings, as
is usual in commencing a new shop to-day. A pair of scales
for weighing out goods, and a couple of planks supported
on empty barrels served the purpose of a counter until a
more permanent and stronger structure could be obtained.
Funds in hand were very low, ^^340 being the sum total
contributed towards the success of the venture, and the
need for care and economy in the prosecution of the uphill
fight which they had to make in their attempts towards a
forward progress were apparent to aU.
40 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
The old pioneers of the Society are almost all dead, but
one cannot help but feel that they made their Co-operative
practice a real and personal one. They felt it was theirs,
that they personally were responsible for its growth and
guidance along right lines. We, their descendants, need to
incorporate their spirit more in our dealings with the
Society, and thus help to check the commercial spirit which
is so rapidly gaining ground in our midst. They preached
loyalty to Co-operation and its principles, and we equally
need to do the same to-day. The memory of their deeds
and struggles and the many personal sacrifices made in the
early days will live after them, for they could not hope for
a monetary reward then, as the funds in hand would not
allow it.
It was also usual for the Committee-men to take part in
the work of attending to and supervising various sections
of the business, and they made it a special charge on
themselves to see that this was done well. The butchering
business was first started by the Society by the holding of
a stall in the butchers' section of the Bolton Market. This
stall was held for about two years, and eventually given up
owing to the great opposition and competition of the market
butchers, and the failure of its Manager to make it a success-
ful profit-earning department. Butchering for a long time
was a source of trouble and trial to most Co-operative
Societies.
General History,
CHAPTER V.
1 859-1 860.
Commencing the Bolton Society.
Early Minutes — Co-operative Agitation — Founding Com-
mittee Formed — Places of Meeting at Start — Opening
Day — Number of Pioneers — An Evening Electing First
Committee — All-day Shop Opened — First Branch Started
— Its Success — Trustees — Opening of First Office —
Removal of Office — Results of First Year's Working.
CHE very early history of the Society is extremely
difficult to obtain, no minute books being in existence
of the first few years' working, as it appears to have
been the practice to record the minutes in any sort of book
that happened to be available, and often these were the
property of the Secretary for the time being, and, as a result,
they often became personal private property, and are, there-
fore, unobtainable now.
What few records are available are not only interesting
and amusing to read, but they are badly written, and go
into many small details that would not be considered neces-
sary to-day. We glean a few : —
Moved by Mr. Brierley, seconded by Mr, Hemmings, that Mr.
Kay be appointed Money Steward until Monday next.
That the President be Corresponding Secretary for this quarter.
That Mr. Brierley be flour buyer for this quarter.
That the President and Mr. Walsh be appointed to buy the cheese
wanted for each Store, and Mr. Walsh to attend Mr. Cunliffe's sale to
buy cheese if any offers cheap.
That Stanley Dawson be consulted with respect to treacle and
sugar.
44 History of the Great and Little Bolton
That we purchase Joseph Hyson's pig for Derby Street Store.
January 4th, 1864. — That Mrs. Ashton be reappointed Treasurer.
That we buy forty loads of potatoes, and that we purchase a piece
of drabbett from Mr. Anderson.
That Mr. Walsh be pig buyer for this quarter.
Resolved, — That a pan be bought, to test samples of potatoes.
Enough has been gleaned to show that the eaiiy Com-
mittees did the work for themselves which we to-day find
far more convenient to do through a properly recognised
official. That they did their work well and conscientiously
there is every evidence. The great bulk of the early
Committee minutes relate entirely to the purchase and sale
of the commodities required by the Society in its business.
When Co-operation was first mooted the idea of curtailing
the household expenditure by the saving of the retailer's
profit, and dividing it among themselves, readily took root.
The next move was, of course, in the direction of starting
the Society, and a small Committee of seven was appointed
to found it. These founders consisted of Messrs. John
Morton, James Eccles, James Horridge, Joseph Bridge,
John Hollas, William Heys, and John Bullough.
A code of Rules was drawn up, and at a meeting held at
Mr. Ashton's on the first day of August, 1859, they were
adopted. Members were also enrolled and subscriptions
received. This is really the actual start of the Society, and
its Jubilee should properly date from then, but they were
not quite ready for the work of selling the articles proposed
to be dealt in, so they decided to strengthen their hands
still further. Mr. John Hollas was one of the first salesmen
appointed for the opening, and articles were gradually
accumulated as the funds in hand allowed, and a start for
business eventually made on the 4th day of November, 1859.
It is, therefore, the business start of our Society which we
celebrate as our Jubilee time.
The conclave who assembled at "Gladdy" Ashton's
were full of enthusiasm in the interval prior to the starting
of the first Store. This opening was regarded as of no small
importance in shopkeeping circles in Bolton, though some
affected to treat the new venture with disdainful contempt.
Co-operative Society Limited. 45
and held the workers connected therewith to scornful
opprobrium. The figures of to-day are the best commentary
upon the attitude adopted then, whether of those who
cheered and aided, or of those who scorned and derided,
the foundation-laying of what has since proved to be one of
the most powerful, useful, and forward Societies which at
present crown the Co-operative edifice.
It is a little uncertain as to the exact number of members
enrolled at the beginning ; certainly sixty-six were bona
fide members, and it is believed that some six or seven others
also joined, but they cannot be definitely traced. Seventy-
three members is the outside number that can be admitted,
but to sift the claims thoroughly, and give full credence to
the evidence, we can only accept the sixty-six as pioneers
whose names appear on the published list.
At the start the shop was only opened at nights from
six o'clock until ten o'clock, and, as no paid shopman was
appointed, the first Committee-men attended and did the
work of serving out themselves, with John Hollas as the
recognised head. The registered office of the Society was
the shop itself, and meetings were held either in the upstairs
room or preferably in Mrs. Ashton's beerhouse next door,
in her clubroom.
It is amusing to learn how the Committee were appointed
at this time. " Neaw, chaps, wa want a mon for t' Com-
mittee." " Aw propose Mester So-and-so." " Aw beg
leave for t' second him." " Ger up on t' form ! " And he
stood on the form facing his fellows, and if approved of
by them they shouted " Aye ! " and gave him a clap, and he
was duly elected.
In a few weeks the shop was opened in the daytime,
under the management of Mr. John Holland, the Committee
still attending every evening and giving all the assistance in
the serving that they could. The shop did well from the
start, and the enthusiastic Little Bolton members, who
came with their truck for the week's stock of goods, so
effectively worked for the opening of a shop in their district
also that within three months a Branch was opened in
Manor Street. The rent of this place was nearly double
46 History of the Great and Little Bolton
that of the first shop opened, being £25 yearly, against ^f 14
yearly. The opening of this shop here undoubtedly gave
the movement a fillip onwards, for many more joined as
members who would not take the trouble to go so far as
Derby Street for their requirements. Very soon the Little
Bolton members outnumbered their fellows in Great Bolton,
and they did not forget to let them know of that fact at their
usual monthly meetings.
By the law of Friendly Societies, Trustees were needed
as a sort of safeguard for the property and deeds of the
Society, and a transfer of deeds could only be carried out
through them. They, in fact, to all intents and purposes,
were the Society. Although stringent rules were drawn up
curtailing a Trustee's power as far as possible, the system
did not work satisfactorily to all. An agitation was started
among the Co-operative Societies generally, and the office
of Trustee was finally abolished by Act of Parliament.
This was a great relief, and permitted property to be held
by the Society in its own name.
The first few monthly and quarterly meetings were held
at Mrs. Ashton's, and, as this was not considered by some to
be a fit and proper meeting-place for a Society of that kind,
a move was decided upon. Mr. Henry Gerrey and another
member were deputed to seek out a more suitable meeting-
place, and on July 9th, i860, nine months after the start,
the offices and the place of meeting for the members were
moved to the Progression Room, Moor Lane. Only two or
three meetings were held here, because the rooms were not
central enough for the Little Bolton members, and also were
hardly suitable for the growing needs of the young Society.
Their ambition ran in the direction of a Reading-room for
meeting in nightly, and at the end of i860 a further move
was made to the old Corporation Offices, now pulled down
and the present Gas Offices erected on the site. This move
was also a wise one, as intending members very readily went
here to pay their subscriptions, chiefly in the evenings.
This place, with a small anteroom, was used for the monthly
meetings of members, the election of the Committee, ■ and a
small anteroom was set apart for the Secretary's office. A
Co-operative Society Limited. 47
few papers were put upon the tables for members' use, the
Liverpool Mercury being contributed free by a gentleman
who was interested in the tea trade, and the place generally
managed by the Committee of Management, with Mr.
Walter Vickers as roomkeeper.
The first start was an auspicious one, and a dividend of
IS. gd. in the £ was declared, but the results fell away until
the end of the first year was reached with a dividend of 6d.
in the £ ; but, for aU that, there was a marked business
increase, the receipts at the end of the first year's work
being far in excess of the original anticipation, and a depart-
mental increase embracing Manor Street Store, with Drapery
Department started there under the charge of Mr. John
Anderson, and a Boot and Shoe Department under the
management of Mr. Balshaw, who made and mended the
shoes on his own bench, which he brought with him to the
shop and established in one of the upstairs rooms, and a
stall taken in the market for the sale of butcher's meat (now
a stall for the sale of cheap literature, post cards, &c.) near
the Market Street entrance, and, lastly, office in Acresfield.
Not a bad start for one year's working alone, and certainly
a far greater one than the next two or three years showed.
Mr. Anderson, who was appointed as Drapery Manager
when the Committee became bold enough to start this
department, was an ardent adherent of the movement, and
glowed with enthusiasm over the quality of certain blankets
when these were for the first time incorporated into his
stock. Mr. Balshaw was equally keen on the success of his
department, and a sort of rivalry was established which
was productive of much good business.
48 History of the Great and Little Bolton
CHAPTER VI.
1861-1864.
Unsettled Trading Conditions — How Withdrawals were
Effected — Half-day Holiday Granted — Reserve Fund
Started — Reading-room Opened — Fifty Pounds Capital
only Allowed — Co-operators Persecuted — Chronological
History Record — Distress Relief Operations — The Cotton
Famine — Co-operation during the Cotton Famine — Re-
joicings on the Arrival of Cotton — Effect of the Famine on
Co-operation — First Clearing Sale — Literary Committee —
Special Committee Appointed to Forward the Interests of
the Society — Central Store decided upon — Financial
Matters — Bridge Street Site decided upon — Selling Goods
Wholesale Considered — Balance Sheet Ordered to he
Printed in Local Paper.
AVERY unsatisfactory state of trade existed locally at
the beginning of the year 1861, and the result was a
drop in the business takings. This brought forth
appeals for the loyalty of the members to the Store from the
Committee, but the fact of the small dividend paid at the
end of i860 was hard to face, and it was a great deterring
factor at this time. Again, the American War, which
started on April 13th, 1861, was a great retarding influence
among the cotton operatives, as it was then difficult to earn
enough money to obtain even the barest necessaries of life,
and porridge for breakfast, porridge for dinner, porridge
for tea — and Indian meal porridge at that — was no
uncommon fare. AU the same, a doubling of the dividend of
from 6d. to is. was able to be declared during the first
quarter of the year, owing to the rigid economy practised.
As notice to the Committee was then necessary before money
could be withdrawn from the funds, and only permission
granted in cases of necessity, it follows that the present-day
Co-operative Society Limited. 49
conditions ruling the withdrawal of members' share capital
would not have been entertained for a minute at that period
of the Society's existence. All the same, progress was
steadily made. It was in this year that the half-day holiday
system for the shopmen was first started, and in June, 1861,
the shops were first closed on Tuesdays at two o'clock.
The reserve fund was also started in the first quarter of
the year, and id. per £ on purchase money was taken from
the available funds for this purpose to ensure the safety of
the members' investments. The Committee were very
optimistic at this period, in spite of the fact that conditions
were so much against them.
During the September quarter the Reading and News-.
room was opened in Acresfield, and opened in the evenings
only at the start. An attempt was made to gather together
a small library of books, chiefly for reference purposes, and
for perusal in the room only. At this time also the Society
only allowed its members to hold shares in connection with
it to the extent of £50, and one marvels at the progress made
on such a small capital holding per member. The members
were, however,. slowly growing in numbers and in confidence
in the movement.
At the beginning of the year 1862 the great depression
which was the result of the civil commotion in the United
States was beginning to make itself felt in the neighbour-
hood, yet Co-operation spread locally, and its standing was
beginning to be more generally recognised, so much so that
it was deemed of sufficient importance to be worthy of
inclusion in " The Chronological History of Bolton." The
item reads as follows : — " 1862, February. Spread of the
Co-operative Movement."
During the cotton crisis the jealousy of some shop-
keepers and the opposition of some few employers to these
Co-operative establishments caused considerable ill feeling.
Several cases were reported to the Central Relief Committee
in which local Committees had either refused relief to
members of Co-operative Stqres, or had refused tp let tji§
50 History of the Great and Little Bolton
tickets for relief in kind be spent at these establishments.
Two instances were mentioned of applicants for relief who
had each a few shUlings invested in a Storfe, and who were
required to withdraw these sums before any relief was
granted. A sum of 2s. was charged then on withdrawal
from membership, and when this had been deducted from
the account one poor woman had to take out the magnifi-
cent sum of 4jd. to entitle herself to relief ! Comment is
needless. Do we not meet with opposition to-day ?
Bigoted and often unjust opposition, too.
Rapid was the spread of distress throughout the town,
and Relief Committees were formed throughout the manu-
facturing districts, 16,647 persons bein^ relieved in one week
by the Relief Committee and the Board of Guardians jointly,
many mills being stopped from the scarcity of cotton. In
spite of these factors, the small Society was able to declare
its IS. dividend in the £ on purchases. Loyalty alone on
the part of the purchasing members was the salvation of the
Society at this time, together with a careful husbanding of
resources. A sum of £1,161 was repaid to the members
during this year, and represented in many cases a total
withdrawal from membership, owing to the trying times
experienced. How great and widespread the distress was
in Lancashire is well set forth in the accompanying poem,
which was written by Ellen Barlee : —
THE COTTON FAMINE.
There's a moan on the gale, there's a cry in the air,
'Tis the wail of distress, 'tis the sigh of despair ;
All silent and hushed is the factory's whirl,
And famine and want their black banner unfurl
Where the warm laugh of childhood is hushed on the ear,
And the glance of affection is met by the tear ;
Where hope's lingering embers are ready to die.
And utt'rance is choked by the heartbroken sigh.
— From " A Visit to Lancashire in December, 1862."
Co-operation during the Cotton Famine.
From the " Balance Sheet History " it will be seen that
the effects of the Cotton Famine during 1862 did not affect
the small Society as severely as it did the Rochdale Society,
Co-operative Society Limited. 51
Whose sales fell about one-fifth, and capital one-tenth
during that year. Our receipts during that period scarcely
experienced any decline, though the trade of the town became
worse, and everywhere unmistakable evidences of the
existence of a large amount of poverty were presented. A
comparison of the tables of receipts of the various Societies
at this period shows a most remarkable difference in the
progress made in the various towns at their commencement,
and clearly indicates the difficulties with which the early
pioneers had to battle, and the value of their experiences
to others. It is difficult to say what the progress of the
Societies generally would have been if the American War
had never occurred ; it most certainly would have been a
remarkable one in the majority of cases. Commenting
on this at the time, the Committee were gratified in being
able to steer clear of every difficulty, and had hopes that the
sun of prosperity might soon dawn again, shedding its
benignant rays around, and lighting up the hearts of those
who were in a state of despondency, which welcome change
would make the business as profitable and extensive in all
its branches as it had ever been. It was a most trying
period, and many Societies were almost broken by it, but
fortunately we weathered the storm with colours flying.
The help which the small Society was able to accord to its
members enabled them to puU through the trying times,
many homes being saved from utter desolation by the
savings which, by the aid of the Society, they were able to
fall back upon.
Rejoictngs on the Arrival of Cotton.
In one village in the district the villagers were surprised
and delighted to see a wagon-load of cotton enter the
village, this being the first which had done so for more than
two years. A scene of great excitement followed, and,
when a second wagon followed, endeavours were made by
some of the women, but frustrated, to take the horses out
and drag the cotton to its destination. Others of the women
sat down and cried. The mill it was intended for com-
menced operations as soon as it could be put into working
order.
52 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Bales of cotton ! Bales of cotton ! And " gradely "
cotton, too, as experienced spinners and minders could
easily tell. Round this ungainly lurry a crowd of hundreds
gathered. Men laid their hands on the huge, unsightly
bales with a loving touch, as though greeting an unlooked-
for friend who had long been given up for lost. Others gave
the bales a hearty slap, and added, " Hey, owd chap, but I'm
fain fer t' see thee agen ! "
Effects of the Cotton Famine on Co-operation.
Nothing told more strongly in favour of Co-operation
than the fact of its surviving, unscathed, the trying period
of the Cotton Famine. Thousands of Lancashire operatives
had reason to be grateful to Co-operation for enabling them
to maintain their independence during the stoppage of the
cotton trade which was caused by the rebellion of the
Confederate States.
It was during the years 1862 and 1863 that this distress
was most felt. It was not till June, 1863, that members
were allowed to hold shares to the extent of £100 in the
Society, and contributions to capital, on which an interest
of 5 per cent was then paid, together with the profits made,
enabled the institution to be held well together. Little
progress is recorded in 1863, except the taking of shares in
the Wholesale Society, which was just then starting,
;f22. los. being invested therein.
The year 1864 marked a new era by the declaration of
a dividend of 2S. 2d. on purchases in its first quarter. This
had a great and widespread effect, and brought considerable
members within the fold. Advantage was taken of the
improved conditions then ruling, and a clearing sale of some
old stock was for the first time initiated. From an old
minute book it appears as if the Educational Committee,
or Literary Committee, as it was called then, was worked
as a separate Committee, subject somewhat to the authority
and direction of the Committee of Management ; certainly
the balance sheet of the Literary Committee was first
presented to the Committee of Management for approval.
Co-operative Society Limited. 53
That fact I have well established for my own satisfaction,
even though it was a separate Committee appointed by the
members.
The Literary Committee were often short of funds at
this period, and, in order to eke out their scanty resources
to the best advantage, parties were arranged and carried
through successfully, the profits being utilised for swelling
their funds. In addition, grants were also made to them by
the Committee of Management, as the following resolution
wUl show, moved by Mr. William Makin and seconded by
Mr. William Roberts : " That the Literary Committee
receive £3. 2s. 5d." The balance sheet of the Literary
Committee was also presented to the General Committee
for passing in the first instance, as the following minute
will show : " That the Literary Committee' s^balance sheet
as read do pass."
At the Monthly Meeting held on February ist, 1864, the
question of a new Shoe Department came up for discussion,
as the one then in Manor Street was not quite satisfactory,
being in an upstairs room. After much discussion it was
decided that a special Committee, consisting of five members,
should be appointed to consider the best mode of forwarding
the interests of the Society, and the following persons were
appointed for that purpose : — Mr. John Bramwell, Mr.
Sidlow, Mr. Atkinson, Mr. Roberts, and Mr. Makin. As
the result of their deliberations it was decided to recommend
the members to obtain a site for new Central premises. The
matter was considered by the members at the adjourned
Quarterly Meeting held on April i8th, 1864, and a Committee
of three was appointed from that meeting, consisting of Mr.
Anderson, Mr. Fletcher, and Mr. Makin, to look out for a
suitable site for a Central Store. At the same meeting the
management fund was ordered to be reduced to id., which
was taken from members' shares. This Sub-Committee
was also instructed later on to look out for two sites for
Branch Stores, one at each end of the town.
On June loth a deputation was appointed to wait upon
Dr. Garstang with a view to purchasing his premises at the
54 History of the Great and Little Bolton
corner of Bank Street, and also to see Mr. Winder to get the
price of the premises at the bottom of Fold Street with a
view to purchasing them. The result was a motion on
July nth "That the premises in Fold Street andBradshaw-
gate be purchased at the price stated, provided the title be
good." At a later meeting this minute was rescinded, and
a Committee of five (Messrs. Slater, Seddon, Walsh,
Anderson, and Smith) were appointed to look after land to
build a new Store.
Financial matters came in for a good deal of considera-
tion during this year, and a few of the resolutions connected
with them are interesting :—
That from and after the passing of these resolutions the bank
cheque book shall be kept by the Treasurer, except on a Committee
night, when it shall be brought to the Committee-room on Friday
nights by one of the Inspectors of Derby Street Store with the books
from the shop, and on Monday nights by the Treasurer's assistant,
and returned by the same persons.
That the Committee alone shall have power to order a cheque to
be issued from the cheque book, and the Treasurer's be one of the
names given at the bank, whose signature, as well as that of the
Secretary's, must be on all cheques issued.
That the Head Shopmen shall, on each Monday and Friday night,
send to the Committee all the unpaid bills they have in their posses-
sion, but before doing so they shall write on the left-hand top corner
of the back of each bill the day of the month when it is due, and also
the amount of discount due according to the tradesmen's terms,
and, after inspecting same, the Committee shall send such as fall
due before their next meeting to the Treasurer to be paid, the
remainder to be put in the safe and sent to the Treasurer in time to
be paid when due.
The Treasurer shall, on each Monday and Friday night, send to
the Committee, by the conveyance provided in the first of these
resolutions, an account of what money remains on hand out of the
bank, and, after they have provided for the before-mentioned bills,
they shall instruct the Treasurer to place the remaining moneys (if
in their judgment there is enough for that purpose), or so much of it
as they think proper, in the bank the day following the Committee
meeting.
At the Monthly Meeting held on September 5th, 1864,
a most important resolution was carried, as follows ; —
Moved by Mr, Fishwick and seconded by Mr. Arstall, — That the
Sub-Committee be instructed to purchase the land at the bottom of
Bridge "Street, subject to the confirmation of a Special General Meet-
ing to be called on September 19th.
Co-operative Society Limited. 55
This meeting was advertised in the two Bolton papers,
and at the time stated the matter was agreed upon. The
resolution respecting this is rather quaint in phraseology : —
Moved by Mr. Fishwick, seconded by Mr. Seddon, — That the
minute of September 5th, empowering the Sub-Committee to
purchase the land at the bottom of Bridge Street, be confirmed.
A further resolution was moved by Mr. Mather, and
seconded by Mr. Hardman, " That the Sub-Committee be
empowered to take the land at the bottom of Bridge Street."
Although these resolutions passed at this time, they
were not very well received by many of the members because
the land did not at all look like a suitable spot for Central
premises, and Mr. Walsh resigned from the Sub- Committee,
Mr. Sidlow being appointed in his place. Many of the
members withdrew from the Society on account of this
purchase, but aU the same the Committee persevered and
carried the scheme through in spite of aU obstacles, and it
is now quite safe to claim that their action was the making
of our Society.
The next minutes of any note relate to the Literary
Committee, as foUows: — "Moved by Mr. Brearley, and
seconded by Mr. Hart, 'That the balance sheet of the
Literary Committee be adopted.' Moved by Mr. Gerrey,
and seconded by Mr. Cook, ' That the Literary Committee
give their services gratuitous.'"
These resolutions were carried at the Monthly Meeting
held on October 3rd, 1864, and at the same meeting the
question of voting for the Committee was considered and
resulted in a decision being arrived at to continue open
voting, as practised.
In July, 1864, the balance sheet was ordered to be printed
in the Bolton Chronicle, and a paragraph was also inserted
at the same time as follows : —
The 1 8th Quarterly Meeting was held on Monday evening at the
ofi&ces of the Society, Acresfield. A report presented by the Auditors
(Messrs. John Fletcher, jun.,and Isaiah Arstall) passed unanimously.
The cash received in the quarter amounted to ;^2,3io, which was
;£i20 more than in the preceding one. In the general statements are
55 History of the Great and Little Bolton
the following items : — Members' claims, {p-fiob ; for educational and
other puirposes, {i^. 14s. ; reserve fund, ^75 ; balance profit, £i9i2 ;
by cash balance on hand, ^1,064 ; goods in stock, ;£i,338 ; invested
in Rochdale Corn Mill and Wholesale Agency, {p-^b ; fixed stock,
;^i8o. The profit account is given as follows: — Reduction of fixed
stock, &c., this quarter, ^8. 4s. ; dividend on members' purchase
money, /i,968, at is. 8d., 2^64 ; balance on hand, £\. 4s. ; ;£i82.
On November 21st, 1864, the question of selling goods
wholesale was raised, and Messrs. Slater, Whittaker, and
Crankshaw were appointed as a Committee to " look over
the balance sheet to see what per cent we can afford to sell our
goods at wholesale after taking off the management expenses. ' '
(^^^/^^^
Co-operative Society Limited. 57
CHAPTER VII.
1865.
Central Store Started upon — Requisition received from Farn-
worth — Central Site Bought — Tenders called for — Selection
made — Giving up A ores field — Portrait Presented to Mr.
Slater — Newport Street Store Rented — Extra Assistance
Needed — Moving — Lark Street Temperance Hall Taken —
Permanent Secretary Appointed — Pearsons' Tea Party.
IN 1865 the members' share capital only totalled a little
over ^6,000, yet, for all that, we find a move was made
towards starting the Central premises in Bridge Street
by the appointment of Mr. George Cunliffe as architect for
the new Stores. At the Committee meeting held in
February, 1865, Messrs. William Slater and William
Crankshaw were delegated to visit Manchester and Oldham
Stores to get the best mode of arranging our new Stores,
and they were to have their expenses granted to them.
On March 6th, 1865, a requisition from members residing
in the Farnworth district was considered, and a , recom-
mendation was given to look out for suitable premises
in the neighbourhood of Waterloo and Sweet Green for two
Branch Stores, and the Committee were instructed to open
them forthwith. It was moved by Mr. Fishwick and
seconded by Mr. Seddon that the requisition from Farnworth
be left in the hands of the Committee to take any steps they
might think requisite. Had our Committee persisted in
their efforts at this time it is quite on the carpet that this
Society would have been well established now in the Farn-
worth district, instead of the present Society there. It is
quite certain we were in the field there first, but difficulties in
connection with the land inspected and the sites approved,
toget!icr with the unsatisfactory terms offered, and the
difficulty of obtaining leases on the premises for such a
duration of time as would meet the requirements of the
Committee, caused the abandonment of the scheme for the
58 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
time being, but not finally. The new Central was the main
idea prevalent at this period, and the need of meeting the
claims connected with it. The land on which these premises
now stand was acquired on very advantageous terms.
Quite a bold appearance is presented by the minute standing
on the books relating to this land. It is dated March 27th,
1865, and reads as follows : —
Resolved, — That the seal of the Society be affixed by the Secretary
to a certain indenture dated the 21st March, 1865, made between
James Crook, of Breightmet, in the county of Lancaster, cotton
spinner, of the one part, and the Great and Little Bolton Equitable
Industrial Co-operative Society Limited, of the other part, being a
conveyance in fee to the said Society of a plot of land situated in
Bridge Street and Bow Street, Little Bolton, subject to a yearly
rent charge of £35.
New Central.
In March, 1865, a start was made with the preparations
for the erection of a new Central Store, which cost about
^^4,000 to complete, and on May 21st, 1865, negotiations
were embarked upon in connection with the building of the
new Central premises with Large Hall, and a few days after-
wards tenders were ordered to be sent in to the Committee
under seal, the whole of the parties who sent in their names
to be supplied with specifications, with instructions to send
in their estimates by June ist, 1865, the architect (Mr. Geo.
Cunliffe) being allowed his own judgment respecting the
application for tenders.
The result of the consideration of the tenders was a
resolution moved by Mr. Edward Staton Crook, and
seconded by Mr. John Anderson, " That the tender of Mr.
Joseph Marsden, builder, be accepted for the new building
at ^^2,942." It Wcis further ordered that the Town Clerk
be approached on the question of the notice required
respecting the room in Acresfield then held. For the past
valuable services of Mr. William Slater, who then held the
position of President, it was resolved that a portrait of
himself be given him, and that one be hung up in the Board-
room. This portrait is still preserved.
Many members were afraid that the Society would not
be able to complete this new Store without borrowing.
However, the Committee were not deterred thereby, but
^'V
RNS STKliET STORE as ouiginally built
'~'T<!^
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 6i
set bravely to work, and it was not only completed without
borrowing, but put into full working order also. The opening
day was a very successful one.
The rooms in Acresfield ysed as offices were given up in
June, 1865, and Bank Trustees were appointed on July 7th.
In spite of the fact that the Commitfee had their hands
pretty full at this time, extension was carried out by the
taking of the Newport Street shop. This is recorded in a
minute dated August 25th, 1865 : " That we take the shop
belonging to Mr. Ackroyd situated in Newport Street for a
Branch Store, on a lease for seven years, at a rent of £25
per annum." In a very short time the limited staff of
workers could not comfortably cope with the growing
business, and assistance had to be rendered for a few hours
each evening. Sometimes this was done by a man
appointed specially for the work, and at others by a member
of the Committee. This assistance was needed chiefly on
Monday and Saturday — on 'Monday from half-past six to
closing time, and on Saturday from four o'clock untU
closing time. Only a small fee was allowed for this extra
attendance.
Meeting Room.
It being necessary to vacate the Acresfield room, a search
was made for new premises in which to hold meetings, and
on September nth, 1865, it was decided to take the
Christian Brethren's in Market Street for the purpose, at
a rent of 4s. per week, and all the tables and other furniture
necessary were ordered to be moved therein. The sum of
gd. was allowed for sweeping the room. Difficulties arose
owing to the room not being quite suitable for holding
the members' meetings, and the resolution was rescinded,
and on September 25th notices were ordered to be put in
the shop windows, and also announcements made in the
local papers, that the Quarterly Meeting would be held in
Lark Street Temperance Hall, which was then fairly well
used for meetings. On the same date it was moved by Mr.
J. Nicholson, and seconded by Mr. Jonathan Fishwick,
" That the Committee recommend to the General Meeting the
desirability of engaging a permanent Manager or Secretary."
62 History of the Great and Little Bolton
This was discussed at the meeting of members held on
October 2nd, 1865, and resulted in a motion "That we
engage a permanent Secretary." A further motion passed
" That we give 30s. per week for the Secretary," and it was
further moved by Mr. J. Crook, and seconded by Mr. W.
Reddick, "That WiUiam Crankshaw be engaged for our
permanent Secretary." This motion being carried by
acclamation, Mr. William Crankshaw was thus appointed
as the first permanent Secretary of the Society.
At the next meeting of the Committee the Secretary
was appointed to pay aU bills. The Secretary's duties were
further defined as follows : —
To visit every Store as early as possible every morning, to give
all orders from the Committee to the shopmen, and see that the
same are attended to. To see that the shopmen weigh all goods and
compare with invoice. To be present on Saturday from two to
four and from five to eight o'clock, and on Monday from two to
five o'clock to receive and pay moneys. He shall conduct all corre-
spondence, receive and open all letters belonging to the Society,
and lay the same before the Committee, together with all invoices
examined by him. He shall look after the interest and general
welfare of the Society during the absence of the Committee, and
report to the same anything requiring their attention. He shall
also make a list of goods required by all the shopmen, and bring the
same before the Committee every Monday evening, and shall make
himself generally useful during any spare time he may have at his
disposal. He shall purchase potatoes and vegetables required at the
Stores instead of the shopmen.
This appointment is definite enough, and conveys the fact
fully that he was the first Secretary.
It was often said at this time that the Manor Street
Store was Pearsons' Store, and it is certain that a great
amount of support came from the employes of that firm.
On November i6th, 1865, a minute is recorded in the book:
" That Messrs. Thomas Pearson and Sons' workpeople have
the use of forms, &c. , for tea party, for 2S. 6d." Special terms
were also quoted them for tea, butter, and ham for this party.
Perhaps it ought also to be recorded that on March
27th, 1865, a resolution appears "That we have a proper
minute book forthwith." The minute book in use then
would certainly not be considered to be satisfactory in any
ivay to-day.
Co-operative Society Limited. 63
CHAPTER VIII.
1866.
New Central Grocer's Shop Opened — Draper's Shop Opened —
Large Hall Furnished — The Treasurership — Manager
Appointed — Clerk Appointed — Land in Bow Street Bought
— Large Hall Opened — " The Bar " — Failure of Attempt
to Close it — Farnworth again Considered — Derby Street
Store.
CHE year 1866 was a strenuous one, the business
developments being great and well sustained. What
with the work of the new Central and the opening
of new Branches, and the regular business work, the results
realised were a great impetus to the forward march of Co-
operation in our good old town. While the growth was
slow it was certainly steady. On March 8th (Thursday),
1866, the new Central Grocer's Shop was opened, and on
March 6th it was resolved " That the business of the Society
be conducted at Bridge Street Stores." It was further
decided that some engravings of the new buildings be
obtained, and that a thousand prints be taken and distri-
buted. The result of this opening proved that the action
of the Committee in acquiring this site and erecting a Central
Store thereon was fully justified — in fact, it is now the
backbone of the Society. Capital, trade, and dividend
increased, and the result was an influx of new members,
whose influence soon began to be felt. The Committee
could, however, only go slow, as they felt still on dangerous
ground, the status and financial stability being then not
fully assured. All the same they were optimistic enough
tOjCndeavour to reach out in any likely [direction that
presented itself in the form of openings for business and the
growth of the Society generally.
64 History of the Great and Little Bolton
On Friday morning, March 23rd, 1866, the first Central
Draper's Shop was opened under the management of Mr.
John Anderson, his wages being 20s. per week.
A Sub-Committee was appointed to furnish the new Hall
with furniture, and Messrs. Jonathan Fishwick, Peter
Fletcher, and Joseph Walker were placed thereon.
The Treasurership.
At the adjourned Quarterly Meeting which was held on
July i6th, 1866, it was moved by Mr. Gerrey, and seconded
by Mr. Rathbone, " That the Treasurer's salary be advanced
to £5 per quarter, and that Mrs. Ashton be solicited to retain
that situation for the remainder of the year, or at least to
the close of the quarter." A further motion was moved by
Mr. Hollas, and seconded by Mr. Ogden, " That the present
Secretary (Mr. Crankshaw) is a fit and proper person to
become the General Manager of this Society when we have
a competent person to take his present position as Secre-
tary." This having been carried unanimously, it was
further put to the meeting, "That it is the opinion of this
Committee that the responsible duties required as Manager
deserve and should have an advance of salary," which was
carried. On October 12th, 1866, Mr. Crankshaw was also
appointed as Superintendent of the whole of the Stores, with
a further increase of salary.
Mrs. Ashton having decided to resign the Treasurership,
it was first decided that no more money should be taken from
the premises on account of Treasurer until some definite
arrangement was made by the Committee, the President
(Mr. William Slater), the Vice-President, and Mr. Joseph
Walker being appointed to see Mrs. Ashton and come to a
proper arrangement with her, and they were further
appointed to see the accounts balanced up with the Secretary
and the Treasurer, so that her resignation might be carried
into effect.
For a short time different members of the Committee
were deputed to look after the cash for a week, and at a
special meeting held on August 13th, 1866, Mr. Wright
Orrell was appointed as Treasurer to this Society. Mr,
Co-operative Society Limited. 65
James Holt was the next appointed. The need pf a clerk
being of a pressing nature at this time, Mr. Chas. Ditchfield
was appointed to that position on August 3rd, 1866. Messrs.
Samuel Fletcher and Walter Vickers were deputed to fetch
the cash of Derby Street Stores from Mrs. Ashton, Mr. John
Hollas being afterwards empowered to perform this task.
The property adjoining the Stores at Bow Street having
come into the market for absolute sale, Messrs. William
Slater, WiUiam Crankshaw, and Joseph Walker were
deputed to attend the sale and endeavour to purchase it at
the best advantage. This commission they carried out
faithfully and well, acquiring the site for £310, subject to
conditions, a proceeding which was unanimously approved
of by the Committee. This purchase enabled the Central
premises to be extended, and additional Storerooms, Tailor's
Shop, and Butcher's Shop to be added thereto. On Sep-
tember 24th it was resolved to have a movable bar fitted
up for the room over the Committee-room, to be let off
extra with the Large Hall. This resolution created a great
storm in the movement.
Baking was commenced in the cellars of the Central
premises on October 12th, 1866, and instructions were given
for a letter to be written to the insurance office to inform
them of the fact.
The official opening of the Central Store was fixed for
Thursday, November 8th, 1866, and Mr. Stockdale (then
Mayor of Bolton) was invited to preside at the opening
ceremony. The price of the tickets was fixed at is. 6d. for
gentlemen and is. for ladies. One thousand tickets were
ordered. All the shops were allowed to close at four o'clock
on the day of the opening ceremony, but the tiine so lost had
to be made up by the " shop folks " on the following Tuesday
afternoon, that being the day on which the usual half
holiday was then held. Mrs. Crankshaw (the wife of the
Secretary) was appointed to the charge of the platform
table.
When the Society opened its new Central premises in
1866 quite a storm of indignation and protest was created
66 History of the Great and Little Bolton
in the Co-operative world because the Committee of the
Bolton Co-operative Society permitted a bar to be used on
their premises for the sale of intoxicating drink. Comments
were strong and furious, as a few selections will show : —
Bolton. — The "Bar." — The friends of temperance — in other
words, all real Co-operators — will regret to hear that the obnoxious
" bar " for the sale of intoxicating drinks in the new Store is to remain
for the present.
The Recorder for Bolton at that time stated that, with
the exception of Liverpool and two other places, Bolton was
the most drunken town in England. His words were : —
This place shows a very considerably larger percentage of
drunkenness than even Manchester ; so that we have vice on one
hand and crime on the other, and I cannot help saying that these
are very much fostered ; and, therefore, I do trust and hope and beg
that some means may be taken for the purpose of putting a check
to it.
One gentleman wrote as follows : —
I deeply regret to hear that the Co-operators of Bolton have
resolved to open a bar for the sale of intoxicating drink in their
noble Store, of which they may be so justly proud. It is a sad falling
off. The prohibition which Co-operative Societies have imposed
upon themselves is heartily approved by many who doubt the justice
and wisdom of appealing for aid to the law.
The facts were these. The Bolton Co-operative Society,
by the successful opening of their new Store, could then take
rank as a first-class Store, both in respect to the amount of
business done and the size and elegance of the premises
erected to transact business in. These new premises cost
about £4,500 in erecting them, having attached a Hall, as
at Manchester and other places, capable of holding 700 or
800 people, which was let for public purposes. Although
not formally opened, business was for many months done
on the premises, and the Hall itself was available for letting
on July 9th, 1866. On this occasion it was first used by a
Friendly Society then holding its anniversary. By a most
singular and deplorable inappreciation of the higher and
better objects of the movement, whose mored dignity, as
well as its commercial probity, had been committed to their
keeping, the Committee, on this first occasion — and even
after, under like circumstances — permitted the fitting up
Co-operative Society 'Limited. 67
of an anteroom as a bar, where intoxicating liquors]^mighi
be sold, accomplished, no doubt, by a contract between the
parties taking the Hall and some local publican, who supplied
without let or hindrance until the company broke up. The
Hall on eight different occasions was the scene of disorder.
This state of things was for some time unknown to the
members, whose opinions the Committee had never con-
sulted. However, as it gradually became known, a wide-
spread dissatisfaction manifested itself, and on the first
Monday in November, 1866, the subject was discussed, and
a motion put, " That it be a recommendation from this
meeting to the Committee to discontinue henceforth the
letting of the bar." But the tone and temper of the
opposition — who had failed to stamp out all discussion on
the question by raising a prejudice against it in the first
place as a " teetotal move " — caused the motion to fail. It
was raised again at a subsequent meeting, and, taking the
evening through, argument was at a discount, tumult at a
premium, and the champions who invoked the sacred name
of Liberty showed themselves capable of exercising a
tyranny the most odious and intolerable, with the result
that the bar remained in operation for some little time
after. Fortunately, wise counsels prevailed, and the custom
eventually dropped. The members numbered about 1,800
at this time. Shoals of correspondence passed on the
subject before it was finally shelved. One of the most
temperate letters came from Bristol : —
I still indulge the hope that what we deplore will prove an isolated
instance in the demeanour of our good friends at Bolton, feeling, as
I do, a special interest in the Co-operative Association of that town.
So far as I am aware, it has been the first among its compeers to try
the experiment, which, probably unknown to the people of Bolton,
made such progress in London under the auspices of the Civil Service
Association. I refer to the alliance with wholesale and also with
retail dealers carrying on their concerns on the ordinary principles.
I shall watch the development of this new form of Co-operation with
more than mere curiosity.
On November i6th, 1866, the first horse and cart were
decided to be purchased to carry out goods to the other
Stores, and for other purposes. This, however, did not go
through at this time, because Mr. Proctor offered to lend a
68 History of the Great and Little Bolton
horse and cart for a month or six weeks for the horse's keep,
an offer which was accepted. The cart was ordered on
November 30th, with instructions to get it proceeded with
at once.
On November 26th, 1866, it was resolved by the
Committee " to recommend to the members at the next
General Meeting the advisability of opening a Branch Store
in Farnworth or Halshaw Moor." The opening of a Store
at Daubhill was also considered. Messrs. Fishwick, Walker,
and Crankshaw were appointed to go to Halshaw Moor and
get all the information they could as to the best place for
opening a Store there. The result was a decision to adver-
tise for a shop or building suitable to alter for a shop in the
Farnworth Observer.
Derby Street Store having proved inadequate to meet
the growing wants of the members, it was decided on
December 28th, 1866, that it was desirable to look after
some premises in Derby Street to ease the present Store
(temporary) until a more permanent situation could be
procured. Mrs. Ashton offered other premises, and a
decision was arrived at to accept her offer of shop premises,
which would be vacant on or before the next May, on con-
dition that the said premises could be got on a lease for
fourteen years at the same rent, and also a new lease for
the same term of years for the shop then occupied as a
Co-operative Store.
Mr. Thomas Bulmer having completed his term as
Secretary at the end of December, it was decided on
January 7th, 1867, that the Committee should recommend
the members to appoint a Secretary for six months, and
Mr. Thomas Bulmer was reappointed for that time, the
office afterwards becoming an elective one, the person
appointed being voted for at the same time as the
Committee.
Co-operative Society Limited. 6g
CHAPTER IX.
1867.
Farnworth Attempts, 1867, to Abandonment in 1873 — I'irst
Shop given up — Millinery Started — Ground Rents Bought
— Tailoring Started — Library first Opened — Resignation
of Mr. Bulmer as ' Secretary — Objections to Opening
Lending Library — Extracts from Diary of Thos. Bulmer.
ALTHOUGH the preceding year had been a remarkable
one for increase of business premises in various ways,
the year 1867 started well by an attempt to reach
out and form a Store in the Farnworth district. Perhaps it
would be well to summarise all the attempts made here
under one head. As showing how intimately bound up the
Committee were at this period in the growth and forward
development of the business, on January nth Mr. William
Crankshaw was empowered to get all the information
requisite for the formation of a Co-operative Store in Farn-
worth. The result of this action will show how near we
were in establishing ourselves in Farnworth by the following
resolution : — " That we take the shop and premises at
Farnworth for a term of seven years on a lease, with power
to renew the said lease at the end of that time, if required."
Difficulties arose in connection with the proposed lease, and
negotiations fell through. However, the attempt was
revived, as the resolution recorded on August 19th, 1867,
will show : — " That the Committee proceed at once to open
a Branch Store at Farnworth, either in the premises at
present negotiated for, or in other premises more suitable
for the Society, at the earliest opportunity." Again the
matter did not reach a head because of difficulties connected
with the title of the property considered. We next find
another attempt made in 1869 by a resolution passed by the
Committee on May 29th, " That we recommend to the
next General Meeting the desirability of opening a Branch
70 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Stores at Farnworth, providing the deputation which
has waited upon this Committee can present a requisition
signed by a sufficient number of persons who are heads of
famihes, and who may be desirous to become members."
Nothing further was done at this time, beyond making
general inquiries as to the status of the deputation who
waited upon the Committee, and a sort of lukewarm interest
in the matter, which did not conduce to any serious attempt
at reaching out further in that direction. Previous rebuffs
had made them a bit chary, but another serious attempt
was made in 1872, as the subjoined resolutions prove : —
" That the Secretary and Mr. TunstaU be appointed to look
out for suitable premises for a Branch Store at Farnworth "
(April 5th, 1872), and a further extended Committee was
appointed on May loth, 1872, to view the property in
Ellesmere Street, Farnworth, that was offered for sale.
This fell through, and a proposition was afterwards con-
sidered to take land in Brackley Street, Farnworth. The
resolutions relating to this read as follows : —
That we take the plot of land situate in Brackley Street, Farn-
worth, on the terms offered by Mr. Silas Altham, on condition that
Mr. Altham will, at his own expense, supply this Society with title
of the same that will be satisfactory to our solicitors.
That our Secretary and Mr. Dance have an interview with Mr.
Altham to arrange about taking the land in Brackley Street, Farn-
worth. Also that our Secretary write Mr. John Scowcroft, informing
him that we cannot accept his offer of land in Farnworth. June
24th, 1872.
This attempt came to nothing, though the idea grew strong
in the minds of those in connection with the matter,
eventually coming to a head on receipt of a communication
from a correspondent stating that there was a shop to let
in Egerton Street, Farnworth, rent, ^15 per year ; owner,
Mr. John Tonge, Golden Lion ; informant, Mrs. Entwistle,
14, Francis Street, Farnworth.
After learning that a Society was in course of formation
in the Farnworth district the following resolutions were
passed : —
July 7th, 1873. — That we postpone the question of opening a
Branch Store at Farnworth, so as to enable us to make inquiries
about the Co-operative Society that is commencing business in that
neighbourhood.
Co-operative Society Limited. 71
July 14th, 1873. — That a deputation from this Committee be
appointed to wait upon the Farnworth Co-operative Society to get
what information they can as to their prospects, so as to enable us
to consider whether or not it is advisable for us to proceed at present
to make further arrangements about opening a Branch Store from
this Society in that neighbourhood.
The deputation returned, and after presenting their
report it was decided " that this Society do not at present
take any steps to form a Branch Store at Farnworth."
Thus the Farnworth Society at its start was allowed to have
a fair field and start there what has since proved to be a
successful Society. The comments made were that we were
too slow in reaching out in this direction, or it might have
had a great and far-reaching effect on the speedy growth of
the Bolton Co-operative Society.
In April, 1867, another Branch was opened at Daubhill.
This is used now as a Boot and Shoe Shop.
The first steam engine, used for the purpose of hoisting,
coffee-grinding, and warming the building then used as the
Central, was proposed and carried through early in 1867.
The first shop used by the Society in Derby Street was
vacated at this time, and new premises which had been
bought on the other side of the street were brought into use
instead. These are stiU utilised for this purpose, but they
have been altered and brought more up to present-day
requirements, the Reading-room, which was opened at the
same time as these premises, having been closed again, and
the rooms added to the shop for storage purposes. Some
members of the Literary Committee were appointed for
service on the recommendation of the Committee of
Management, April 8th, 1867.
A further important resolution in AprU, 1867, was
" That the Society enter into the millinery business forth-
with." The ground rents of the Co-operative Stores in
Bridge Street and Bow Street were also bought, and a
recommendation carried "That the Society enter into the
tailoring business as soon as practicable." Mr. Thomas
Towers was appointed as Superintendent of the tailoring
business on May 27th, 1867, the business to be started in
six weeks from that date.
72 History of the Great and Little Bolton
At the Monthly Meeting held on August 5th, 1867, it
was resolved " That it be a recommendation from this
meeting that the Library in the Reading-room be open, so
that any member may have access to the books for reading
or reference." This was carried into effect very speedily.
The resolutions which were passed at the Committee
Meeting on Monday, August 19th, 1867, are exceedingly
interesting, seeing that they relate to the provision of proper
books for the inaugurating of the double entry system of
bookkeeping : —
That there be added to the office books of this Society a ledger
and journal or day-book, and all requisites necessary for a proper
system of bookkeeping, and that the same be commenced as soon as
possible.
That a special Committee meeting be held on Thursday next at
eight p.m. for the purpose of considering the appointment of a Cashier
for this Society.
Mr. T. Bulmer resigned the Secretaryship of the Society
on September 2nd, 1867, and it was resolved that Mr. Sydney
Jackson should be appointed to the office of Secretary of
this Society for the next three months, this appointment
dating from October 7th, 1867.
In 1867 the Literary Committee proposed to open the
Library as a Lending Library. This proceeding met with
vigorous opposition from the General Committee of that
time, as the following resolutions show : —
That the Committee protest against the opening of the Library
as Lending Library for the following reasons : — (i) The Committee
are of opinion that the Library is not sufficiently large for lending
purposes ; (2) that the question of opening the Library for lending
purposes should be subject to the decision of a General or Monthly
Meeting ; {3) that the workings of the Educational Committee are'
very far from being satisfactory. Should your Committee choose
not to comply with this protest they shall deem it to be their duty to
at once stop the finance supply.
This protest was forwarded to the Acting Secretary of
the Literary Committee, and they at once decided to resign.
This brought out further correspondence between the
Secretaries, and a letter was sent to the Secretary as
follows : — " The Committee respectfully request that, in
consequence of the resignation of the Educational
Co-operative Society Limited. 73
Committee, you will meet a part of the Committee on
Wednesday, the i6th inst., at 8 p.m., and bring with you
your books and keys."
This brought up the question of the status and matters
pertaining to the election of the Educational Committee,
and on a requisition for a Special General Meeting the fol-
lowing matters were proposed for consideration : — "(i)
Election of members to serve on the Educational Com-
mittee ; (2) The best means to be adopted for the better
employment of our surplus capital now lying at the bank."
On the Secretary agreeing to work with the General
Committee, a temporary Literary Committee was formed,
consisting of Messrs. Francis Smith, W, Slater, M. Wadding-
ton, and R. Grime, with Mr. Whittaker as Secretary. The
Educational Committee was first charged for rent of rooms,
gas, coal, &c., in 1868. " Resolved, — ^That we charge the
Literary Committee the sum of 3s. per week for services
rendered, such as cleaning the room and lighting the fires, &c."
This was later increased to 4s. per week. A further reso-
lution was: — "Resolved, — That we allow the Educational
Committee to hold their meetings in the General Committee's
Room when not required by the General Committee."
It was further stated that, in their opinion, it' was not
desirable to make any alterations in the educational arrange-
ments then existing in the Derby Street Branch.
Extracts from the Diary of Thomas Bulmer.
Having been favoured with the loan of a private diary
of Mr. Thomas Bulmer, who acted as Secretary during
1867, I cull a few selections therefrom : —
Copy of a Letter to Mr. Thomas Towers on being chosen as Shopman
for the Tailoring Department at the Bridge Street Stores : —
Sir, — I have to inform you that the Committee of the Bolton
Co-operative Society Limited have decided on appointing you as
Superintendent and Manager of the Tailoring Department of the
Co-operative Stores, Bridge Street, subject to the following con-
ditions, viz. : — That you give satisfactory references as to abihty,
and likewise find two securities for £50. Complying with the above
conditions, I shall (as soon as the rooms are made convenient) write
you when your services will be required.
I am, &c.,
Thomas Bulmer, Secretary.
74 History of the Great and Little Bolton
A letter is also copied, requesting Mr. Barnes, M.P., to
be kind enough to supply the Committee with a copy of
Mr. Hughes' Bill on Limited Liabihty, which was then before
Parliament for consideration. This request was granted,
and a copy forwarded.
The most interesting item is that relating to Mr. Bulmer's
duties as Secretary. This is dated October 7th, 1867.
To-night I attended the Co-operative Quarterly Meeting, I having
served nine months as Secretary to the Society. During this quarter
the Committee have had thirty-seven meetings, thirty-four of which
I attended. My salary has been £t per quarter. My duties have
been to attend all meetings of the Society, all meetings of the Com-
mittee, keep all minutes, read all bills to the Society for the Committee
and sign them, and should there be any correspondence with anyone
and the Committee I had to fulfil it ; draw out all advertisements,
and see them put in the papers ; draw up voting papers, and likewise
draw up a statement of the Committee of Management, showing
their names, position, and attendance, and post the same in the
Reading-room. On this night I retire from the above position and
become a private member.
On August 27th, 1867, another item appears as follows : —
To-day I called in the Co-operative Committee-room and left a
draft for a notice for a Special General Meeting, and requested
Charles Ditchfield, the clerk in the office, to -vvrite out six or seven for
to fix up in the different places of business. I called at dinner-time
and signed four of them, one of which I left for T. Walsh, for Daub-
hill, one for the Reading-room, and two I brought with me and left
them, one in Newport Street Store, and the other at Derby Street
Store.
These items show that Mr. Bulmer was very con-
scientious in the discharge of his duties, even though the
pay connected therewith was small.
Co-operative Society Limited. 75
CHAPTER X.
1868-1869.
Appointment of Treasurer — Withdrawals by Proxy Adopted —
Inquiry into Working Expenses — Building Department
Started — Reading-rooms Abused on Sundays — Returns
Demanded by Act of Parliament — Complaints as to
Charges made for Goods — Resignation of Mr. Crankshaw —
New Manager Appointed — His Early Resignation —
Party for Employees — Educational Matters.
MR. JAMES BULLOUGH having been elected to
serve as Treasurer on September 7th, 1867, he was
again re-elected on January 4th, 1868, for a further
period of twelve months.
Nothing of great moment took place at the beginning of
the year, but a resolution was adopted to cure hams and
bacon for sale purposes, and slabs and materials for the
business ordered.
An important arrangement was adopted on June 29th,
1868, whereby members wishing to withdraw any portion of
their money, and not being able to make such withdrawal
personally, " shall in such case send a note duly authenti-
cated, along with their contribution book, stating the
amount they wish to withdraw." During this year the
surplus capital of the Society commenced to be troublesome,
and the Building Department was started. Particulars of
the start will be found in the section relating to this depart-
ment.
As one means of relieving the funds shares were taken
up with the Co-operative Insurance Society to the proportion
of 2,000 members.
On October 2nd, 1868, a Special Sub-Committee of
Inquiry was arranged to inquire into the working expenses,
76 History of the Great and Little Bolton
and endeavour, if practicable, to reduce same. As the
result of their deliberations they recommended the adoption
of the system which was in operation in other Co-operative
Societies, that of weighing and making up of all goods where
practicable in the daytime. If this course was adopted
they were of opinion that purchasers would not only be
served quicker, but that it would require a less number of
hands. They condemned the system of making up parcels,
particularly in the Grocery Department, as absorbing a
great amount of both labour and material.
In consequence of the privileges of the Reading and
Newsrooms having been abused on Sundays by parties
who were not members, it was decided that the door should
be kept locked on the Sunday, instead of being loose, as
heretofore, but that all those members who chose to avail
themselves of the Reading-room might do so by purchasing
duplicate keys.
Building being a new department at this time, the
matters relating thereto bulk largely, almost to the exclu-
sion of all other minutes.
Returns having been demanded from all Societies, the
following minute was placed on the books on 'F.pbruary
19th, 1869 : —
Pursuant to an Act of Parliament calling upon all Co-operative
Societies to furnish a list of all members, showing the amount of
interest and dividend paid to each member yearly, to the Assessor of
Taxes for the Inland Revenue, and that the preparation of such
named list will entail considerable labour and time, that our
Manager be deputed to wait upon the Assessor and ascertain the
longest time he can allow, and also whether it will be necessitous to
furnish a complete list or the names of such members only which he
may require.
In consequence of many complaints being received as
to the charges made for the goods sold, the matter was
threshed out at the Committee Meeting held on June 4th,
1869 :—
In consequence of reports having been extensively circulated
amongst not only the members of the Society, but also among the
general public, to the effect that great anomalies exist between the
qualities and prices of goods as compared with the qualities and prices
of similar kinds of goods sold by private firms of this town, and that
Co-operative Society Limited. 77
such reports are calculated to impede the progress of the Society,
your Committee would respectfully recommend to your notice the
desirability of your appointing at the next General Monthly Meet-
ing three persons, who shall, with an equal number of the General
Committee, form themselves into a Committee of Inspection, whose
duty shall be to test the qualities and compare the prices of goods
sold by this Society and other private firms in this town dealing in
similar kinds of goods, and that such Committee report the result
of such investigation at the next General Monthly Meeting.
This seemed to invite attack, and at the General Monthly
Meeting held on June 7th, 1869, Messrs. William Sheppard,
Thomas Fox, and Henry Hunt were appointed as the
persons required in the Committee's recommendation to
co-operate with a similar number of the General Committee
by forming themselves into a Committee of Inspection for
the purpose of carrying out the suggestions contained in
the recommendation. It was resolved that the Educational
Committee be requested to continue in their office for their
term out ; also that Messrs. Walker, Dillon, and Rowe be
the three persons appointed from this Committee to
operate with the three persons appointed at last Monthly
Meeting to act as a Sub-Committee of Inspection, in
accordance with the spirit of the Committee's recommenda-
tion adopted at that meeting. The result was an agreeable
surprise when their report came to be presented, the
charges against the Society having been proved to be base-
less. On August 2nd, 1869, it was resolved at the meeting
of members then held " That the best thanks of this meeting
be given to the Committee of Inquiry for the very satisfac-
tory way in which they have performed their duties."
Mr. William Crankshaw tendered his resignation as
Manager on July 7th, 1869. This was accepted, and at the
meeting held on July 23rd it was resolved : —
That this Committee record their regret on the occasion of Mr.
WiUiam Crankshaw, Manager to this Society, leaving their employ,
feeling, that they would be remiss in the performance of their duty if
they did not avail themselves of this opportunity of testifying to his
general character, having had at various times the advantage of
noting his business transactions, which have been of a vSry satis-
factory kind, and in which he has exercised an unimpeachable
integrity, fully believing that he has in all had at heart the interest
and well-being of the Society.
^8 History of the Great and Little Bolton
The adoption of this resolution made it necessary that a
new Manager should be appointed, and, after the various
candidates for the office had been interviewed, at the
special Committee Meeting held on July 20th, 1869, it was
resolved " That Mr. Samuel Shaw, now Manager of the New
Mills Co-operative Society, be elected as Manager to this
Society, subject to his security for the required sum of £300
being satisfactory,; and that he commence his duties on
Thursday, the 29th inst., wages 35s. weekly." Mr. Henry
Gerrey acted temporarily as Manager until Mr. Shaw took
up his duties.
So early in the history of the Society the employes were
invited to a party free of charge, " to come off on the 30th
of November at half -past six in the evening ; also that they
each be allowed the privilege of bringing their wives, or a
lady friend each, as the case may be. That the members of
the General Committee do attend the same; also that the
members of the Educational Committee be invited to the
same at a cost of is. each."
Mr. Shaw, the Manager, tendered his resignation in
December, 1869, owing to the fact that his method of
conducting business matters was somewhat unsatisfactory.
Educational matters at this time received a good deal of
attention from the Committee of Management, as an
inspection of the minute book shows. Here is one resolution
passed at this period : —
October 15th, 1 869. — Resolved, — That we support the Educational
Committee in their proposal for the giving of lectures on Co-operation,
Sec, and, that this purpose may be fully realised, that theyhavethe
use of the Large Hall free of charge, and that should there be any
pecuniary loss attending the same that it be charged to the reserve
fund on this conditioji : that on no account whatsoever must there
be anything of a political character introduced into them.
That this Committee forego the charge made upon the Educa-
tional Committee for. services rendered to them on condition that
they take upon their own account the cleaning of the room, serving
of the papers, &c., and that they hold themselves responsible for the
safe locking up of the Reading-room, and also the locking up of the
outside dbor on such evenings when the business of the Society shall
have terminated on or before ten o'clock.
Co-operative Society Limited. 79
CHAPTER XL
1870.
Celebrating Opening of Brownlow Fold Store—Commission
Dealing Abolished — Daubhill Store Purchased — Altera-
tion of Stocktaking — Earthenware Stocked — Holidays —
Deaths of Messrs. Healey and Francis Smith — Helping
the Educational Funds — Sewerage Works Dispute.
A FESTIVE meeting was held in the Hall at the Central
Stores, Bridge Street, to celebrate the extension of
the Society's business to Brownlow Fold. The
practical application of the principles of Co-operation had
already been attended with substantial results in different
quarters of the town. Although the Society was barely
ten years old its transactions were of considerable extent,
and its possessions substantial and valuable.
Alderman R. Harwood presided, and said he had for
some time taken an active interest in the principles of Co-
operation, believing it was destined at no greatly distant
date to make a very important and beneficial change in the
people of this country. To-day we see how this prophecy
is being fulfilled, not only in our own country, but through-
out the world. Mr. Harwood also commended the invest-
ment of their spare capital in building houses of a superior
kind for the members.
Mr. Sydney Jackson, who was then the Secretary, read
a report of the Society's progress. According to his account
it was started in 1859 with seventy-three members and
;^I34 share capital. We reckon sixty-six members and £i(iO
share capital. The value of the property then held in 1869,
which consisted of Bridge Street (old part), Derby Street,
and Brownlow Fold Stores, was estimated at £6,500. The
report then gave a comparative statement showing the
8o History of the Great and Little Bolton
amount of business transacted in the first year of the
Society's existence and in 1869, and as the tables give this
there is no need to repeat it. The total receipts amounted
to £228,616 ; interest, £2,808 ; dividends, £14,685 ; and
the sum paid for educational purposes was £393-
Not only had the members learned the art of being their
own shopkeepers, but they had .undertaken house-building ;
and the Society had mvested nearly £9,000 in dwelHng-
houses for sale to members.
The system of receiving commission on drapery and
clothing was discontinued because the Society had taken
up the business for itself of supplying its own members with
the goods they wanted from their own Stores, and it was
on April ist, 1870, that the practice of receiving com-
mission on the sale of clogs and clothing from private
traders who sold goods to members was decided to be
dropped, and this was recorded in the following resolution: —
That this Committee hereby determine that on and after Monday,
the 13th day of June, 1870, the present system of receiving com-
mission on clogging and clothing be discontinued, and that notices
be delivered to all those parties who have been in the habit of allowing
the same, informing them of the within-named decision.
It was also decided that instructions should be given
to the solicitors for the completion of the purchase of the
DaubhiU Store.
The system of keeping stock in vogue up to this time
was so unsatisfactory, and allowed such a great latitude,
that it was necessary for it to be altered. The resolution
respecting this was recorded on April 22nd, 1870. It reads
as follows : —
That this Committee, having every proof that great irregularities
prevail in our Stores by reason of the stocks not being sufficiently
kept, much to the inconvenience and dissatisfaction of our members,
we hereby determine that in future the leading shopman in each
Stores shall be held responsible ; and, in order to prevent a recurrence
of the afore-mentioned irregularities, that they shall supply to the
Manager a written statement, properly dated, containing all the
articles which they are or may be wanting, and that any departure
from this order shall in every case be met with the punishment such
neglect merits.
Co-operative Society Limited. 8i
It was decided at the same time that the Society should
commence to sell sundry smallwares in the Stores.
At the meeting held on April 28th, 1870, it was decided
that the purchase of the Daubhill Store be completed, and
that " the Secretary do affix the seal of the Society to an
indenture of lease made betwixt Mr. William Brown of the
first part and this society of the second part, being the deed
carrying out the purchase by this Society from Mr. William
Brown of one shop and premises situated at DaubhUl."
Also in April, 1870, the Committee decided that they
should commence the earthenware business, and that the
Manager, in company with some properly qualified person,
should make a journey to the Potteries, with a view of
making a purchase of a suitable character and class,
sufficient to distribute amongst the various Stores.
It was also decided that the Tailoring Department
should be supplied with a small selection of boys' caps and
hats, &c., so that the business of hats and caps might be
started.
The Manager was given discretionary powers early in
1870 to purchase cottagers' pigs, but with the understanding
that he must not on any account whatsoever exceed the
market price of the day on which they may be purchased.
Pig keeping was common in the borough then.
Alterations were ordered to be proceeded with in con-
nection with Derby Street Stores, and the plan, as prepared
by the Sub-Committee, showing the alterations proposed
to be executed, and the outbuildings connected therewith,
having for its object the economisation of room and the
providing of three cottages, was approved of.
Although the holidays accorded to the employes are
now on a generous scale compared to what previously held
good, it was the practice as late as 1870 that only two days'
holiday was allowed at midsummer. A week could be
obtained providing suitable arrangements could be devised
whereby the business was attended to, but all time taken
above the two days was deducted from the wages even of
the leading or head shopman and Manager. An application
82 History of the Great and Little Bolton
for the payment of wages appears in the minutes of this
period, and the statement is made that it is contrary to rule
to pay wages to any of the servants when off work. Looked
at from the standpoint of the conditions ruhng to-day this
seems rather a hard condition, but the status of the worker
at this period was not anything Uke so high as it is now, and
it was nothing out of the common run of things for employes
in many establishments to be looked upon more in the light
of slaves than in that of rational human beings.
At the Committee Meeting held on August 15th, 1870,
it was resolved that a vote of condolence should be forwarded
to Mrs. Healey and family on the occasion of the death of
Mr. Healey. This was adopted, and the copy of the letter
recorded in the minutes is an interesting one : —
This Committee, whilst suffering deeply in the loss it has sustained
by the sudden and unexpected death of one of its members, the late
Mr. Samuel Healey, would hereby unanimously contribute their
testimony to the departed's worth by recording that in his death the
Co-operative movement in this our town is deprived of one of its
staunchest supporters and advocates. During the time he was con-
nected with tlus Board he was ever ready to assist in any object
which tended to develop the great principles of our cause, being aided
by a mind fertile with practical suggestions and the wisest of
counsels, firm and decided without being dictatory, ever open to
conviction, guided by a conscience which made integrity its study,
industrious, and self-denying to that degree as to endanger his health,
sacrificing his own to the interests of the many, leaving duty for a
few hours only to go home and die, leaving a name behind that shall
not soon be forgotten, a life fraught with good deeds ; noble (though
not the hero of a hundred battlefields), yet nobly having done his
part in that noble warfare which has for its object the moral, social,
and intellectual emancipation of his fellow-men. Truly it may be
said of him, " He hved and died a man." His life, then, ought to
remind us
We can make our hves sublime.
And departing leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time —
Footprints that perhaps another.
Sailing o'er hfe's solemn main ;
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, may take heart again.
Let us, then, be up and doing
With a heart for any fate,
Still achieving, still pursuing.
Learn to labour and to wait.
Co-operative Society Limited. 83
We, the Committee of the Great and Little Bolton Equitable
Industrial Co-operative Society Limited, would hereby tender to you
our heartfelt sympathy in this your trying and sorrowful bereave-
ment.
In presenting this vote of condolence we are actuated by no other
motive than that of rendering honour to whom honour is due, and
at the same time feeling our utter inabihty to perform that office to
his memory with satisfaction.
For the time he was connected with our Board we can abun-
dantly testify to the ability and judgment which your late and
beloved husband brought to bear in its discussions, having regard at
all times for the opinions of others ; he abstained from anything
which savoured of dictation ; free from bias, ever ready to obey the
voice of duty in whatever capacity it called upon him to serve, which
he performed with an exactness not to be excelled even to the last,
quitting his post only for a few hours before he " shuffled off this
mortal coil," leaving a name in the hearts of his co-workers second
to none in the list of those who have laboured long and incessantly,
contributing their all in order to accomplish that noblest of con-
summations, and the most devoutly to be wished, viz., the social,
moral, and intellectual emancipation of his fellow-men.
We lament with you in common at his departure, but let us be
encouraged by the knowledge that our loss is his eternal gain ; that
he has realised that blest country whence the wicked cease from
troubling and the weary are at rest, bequeathing unto you and us
an inheritance and a legacy more to be desired than worldly riches —
a name that shall live in years to come, and be held in reverence and
honour by the posterity of generations yet unborn.
That we may profit by his example, and so earn for ourselves a
like testimony, is the prayer of those who now present to you this
vote of condolence.
Death appears to have played havoc with the Committee
during 1870, for on September ist another vote of condo-
lence is recorded as follows : —
Again we are reminded of the uncertainty of life by having to
record the death of another member of this Board, Mr. Francis Smith,
and in recognition of his services rendered whilst so connected ,we
would hereby give our testimony to departed worth by stating that
he was noted for untiring zeal, energy, and perseverance. His was
a life full of promise, requiring only maturing years to develop those
abilities with which he was endowed. His name will ever be remem-
bered among us with an expression of good-will, as being identified
with those who have laboured hard for the elevation of his fellow-
man.
With the writing out of the two votes of condolence
recorded herein we must add the name of Mr. Charles
Ditchfield as their author.
84 History of the Great and Little Bolton
The Literary Committee being short of funds at this
period the following resolution was passed to help them
out of their difficulties : — " That the balance of profit left
at the end of last quarter be given to the Literary Com-
mittee to enable them to open the Brown] ow Fold News-
room."
Some little trouble was experienced by the Society in
connection with the sewerage works carried out by the
Corporation in Bow Street towards the end of 1870, and
there was a resolution passed that the solicitor of the
Society be instructed to see into the right of the Corporation
to trespass on our land in respect to the carrying of a sewer
through without notice or permission. Eventually matters
were arranged between the contending parties, and a
resolution adopted as follows: —
That the report of the Sub-Committee to the Borough Engineer
respecting the Sewerage Works in Bow Street be accepted, and that
the Corporation works be carried below the level of our intended
cellar, they to make a good foundation such as may be required for
our new building, and to the satisfaction of our architect, for a short
distance on each side of the arch of the sewer.
Co-operative Society Limited. 85
CHAPTER XII.
1871-1872.
Voting Record — Delegates' Meeting — Abolition of Treasurer-
ship — Resignation of third Manager — Appointment of
Mr. Gerrey — Purchase of Land in Bow Street — " Co-
operative News " Sold — Coal Trade Started — Almanacs
Issued — Newport Street Stores given up — Burns Street
Purchased — Bow Street Extension Considered — Transfer-
able Shares Considered — Branch Extensions — Flour Shop
Ticket Checks Abandoned.
IT is interesting to find a record of the votes cast in
connection with the election of the Committee of
Management for the year 1871. From it we glean that
the President was elected by twenty-eight votes, and four
Committee-men by forty-eight, thirty-nine, thirty-six, and
thirty-seven votes i-espectively. Truly, the number of
people who voted in those days was small compared with
what is usual to-day. It shows that the interest of many
at this time was not an active one, but merely that of
onlookers who did not quite realise their responsibilities
and powers.
It was also decided at the first meeting held in 1871
that the Co-operative Societies of North and East Lanca-
shire be invited to send delegates to a meeting agreed to be
held here in our Hall in February of that year. This was
in accordance with a resolution passed at a delegate meeting
held at Ramsbottom the previous year. The delegates
who came were to be provided with a tea free of charge, the
cost of the same to be paid from the profits of the Annual
Tea Party.
A circular of invitation was drawn up and approved of
by the Committee, and fifty copies ordered to be printed.
86 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Prior to 1871 the Treasurer of the Society was an
elective official, who was elected annually by the members,
but on February loth, 1871, by resolution of the Committee,
Mr. Charles Ditchfield was instructed to do the duty of
Treasurer during the illness of Mr. J. Walker, who had been
elected by the members to serve twelve months on January
2nd of the same year. Mr. Ditchfield was appointed per-
manent Cashier on March loth, 1871, the treasurership being
allowed to lapse.
Mr. William Blackburn, the Manager of the Society,
tendered his resignation on March 3rd, 1871, and it was
accepted by the Committee, who at once decided to advertise
in the local and Manchester papers for a fresh one. The
large number of applications for the position were dealt with
at a special meeting, and eventually Mr. Henry Gerrey was
appointed as the Manager of the Society on March i6th,
1871. Prior to this time he had on many occasions acted
as buyer during the frequent changes of Manager.
On April 3rd, 1871, Mr. Clegg was elected Secretary of
this Society.
To facilitate the handling of checks at this time, the
following resolution was passed on April 21st, 1871 : —
" That tin checks be given out in the Tailor's Department,
instead of the paper checks having to be taken into the
Drapery Department to be changed."
Further land in Bow Street coming into the market for
sale, at the Committee Meeting held on June 12th, 1871, the
question of the purchase of this land in Bow Street (now
used for the new offices and Educational Department) came
up for discussion, and it was decided that the opinion of the
Monthly Meeting be asked the same night as to the desira-
bility of acquiring the same. After discussion power was
given to the Committee to purchase the plot of land, which
was to be put up for auction, providing it could be obtained
for a certain sum. This sum was a reasonable one, and
the plot of land was duly purchased. This was formerly
the site of the old Little Bolton Gas Works, but at the time
of the sale it was used by Mr. Coffey, joiner, who did a good
Co-operative Society Limited. S7
deal of the work required by the many alterations necessary
to facilitate the business and provide for the increasing
departments of our Society.
The question of the purchase of copies of the Co-operative
News was first considered by the Committee of Management
on July loth, 1871, and eventually resulted in a motion that
the subject be referred to the Literary Committee. After
consideration by the Literary Committee, they decided to
commence the sale of the Co-operative News at half-price,
and the Committee of Management were approached in
connection with the same. It was recognised that it was
desirable that such a paper should come into the hands of
the members, and so post them up as to what was happening
in the Co-operative world, and a motion resulted as
follows : — " That we allow the Literary Committee to sell
the Co-operative News in our shops, through the medium ol
our servants." (August 28th, 1871.)
The question of the supply of coals to members of the
Society came up for discussion on August nth, 1871, and
a decision arrived at " That the Manager ascertain on what
terms it would be possible to commence doing business in
the coal trade."
There is a resolution on the minutes of October 27th,
1871, in connection with the question of issuing almanacs
for the members of the Society. It reads, " That the Secre-
tary make arrangements for providing a sheet almanac
for 1872, for gratuitous distribution."
The Newport Street shop was a source of trouble to the
Committee because of disagreements with the owner of the
land, and also because of many disadvantages connected
therewith. Eventually a Sub-Committee was appointed to
look out for premises suitable to supplant Newport Street
Stores on November 24th, 1871. That they did their duty
well is evident from the recommendation made to purchase
premises in Burns Street, which' was accepted, and they
were empowered on January 12th, 1872, to purchase the
same provided they could do so on satisfactory terms.
That negotiations came to a successful issue is evident
from the minute recorded on January 15th, 1872, " That
88 History of the Great and Little Bolton
this Committee approve of and confirm the proceedings of
the Sub-Committee in having purchased the two houses,
workshop, cottage, &c., in Burns Street for the sum of
£535." Before the end of the month the Newport Street
shop was given up, so far as intimation to the owner was
concerned that the lease of these premises would not be
renewed. It was, however, afterwards agreed to rent the
shop for a year to enable alterations to be made to the
Burns Street premises for Store purposes.
During the same month the question of enlarging Bridge
Street Stores was taken up, and plans for same ordered to
be obtained. A Special General Meeting of the members
was called to consider the desirability of extending the
Central premises in Bow Street.
An important point relating to the future of the young
Society was raised for discussion on May loth, 1872, and
a resolution entered on the minutes respecting it ; —
That a Special General Meeting of members of this Society be
held in the Co-operative Hall, Bridge Street, on Monday, the 20th
inst., at eight o'clock in the evening, for the purpose of deciding by
resolution about making a portion of the shares in the Society
transferable and not withdrawable, and whether it shall be com-
pulsory for every member to take up one or more transferable
shares, and also what interest shall be paid upon such shares and
withdrawable shares respectively.
This matter was very properly dealt with at the members'
meeting by a motion proposed and carried : " That we do
not adopt the principle of transferable shares in this Society."
If the system of transferable shares had been adopted at this
meeting it is questionable whether the position of the
members and the Society generally would have been as good
a one as it is to-day. Certainly the main principles of the
Pioneers would have been undermined, and the freedom on
which we pride ourselves now would have been lost to a very
large extent.
Another Branch Store was opened on October 4th, 1872,
in Venture Street, making five Branches in operation at
this time. Preparations were also made for the opening out
of another Store early in the next year.
Co-operative Society Limited. 89
The main features of 1872 were : An all-round business
increase ; rules revised ; concession to employes by the
decision to close the shops at half-past nine o'clock on
Friday evenings, instead of ten o'clock, which was the hour
of closing up to that period ; and the adoption of the
Wednesday half-holiday.
The business of the Tailoring Department having grown
to such a large extent as to warrant other premises being
used, the shop No. 60, Bridge Street, was opened for this
business, where the department remained until February,
1875, being then removed into half of the premises now
forming the Butchers' shop. Being too congested here, on
the Bow Street extension being completed provision was
made therein for Tailors' shop and workrooms at the back.
At this period they practically followed the development
of the Drapery Department, occupying in turn each shop
as it was vacated by them, moving into the Bridge Street
corner and then from there to the Bark Street premises at
present occupied by them.
With regard to Flour Shop ticket checks, it was decided
" That, in consequence of the unsatisfactory and incon-
venient system of the ticket checks now in use in the Flour
Shop, we discontinue same and use the tin checks as before."
90 History of the Great and Little Bolton
CHAPTER XIII.
1 873-1 875.
Absorbing the Bradshaw and Harwood Society — Sweets sold —
Bolton Congress — Bonus instituted — Resolution on the Life
and Work of William, Pare — Drapery supplied to the
Eagley Society — Recommendation of Finance Committee —
Grant to Founder — Departmental and Leakage Accounts
started — Rise and Growth of Small Savings Bank —
Tenders called for Bow Street Extension.
CHE year 1873 started well with the absorption of the
Bradshaw and Harwood Co-operative Society.
This Society started in the year 186&, and had one
shop, which they took when this property was erected by
Mr. Hardcastle. Two of the most prominent men connected
with this Society were Mr. Richard Wild and Mr. James
Wild, who were in at the start. It had rather a chequered
career, but want of support and many small jealousies
among the members brought it into difficulties. The Com-
mittee decided that the Bolton Co-operative Society should
be asked to take over the business and the members would
join also. The request was favourably received by the
Committee of Management, who decided "That a deputation
from this Committee attend the meeting of the Bradshaw
and Harwood Industrial Co-operative Society Limited, to
be held on Wednesday evening, January 29th, 1873."
At this meeting the question was fully discussed between
the deputation and the Bradshaw members, and they
reported favourably to the Committee, with the result that
the following decision was entered on the minute book of
this Society : —
That we open a Branch Store in the premises occupied by the
above Society, subject to a satisfactory arrangement being con-
cluded with the owner of the premises as to rental, &c. Also that
Co-operative Society Limited. 91
we purchase their present stock at a valuation to be determined by
representatives duly accredited from both Societies. (January
31st, 1873.)
As the result of negotiations the following resolution was
adopted : " That we take the shop at Bradshaw for a
Branch Store on the terms offered in Mr. Thomas Hardcastle's
letter of February ist, 1873, viz., £25 for the first year, and if
the undertaking is successful the rent to be £30 per year."
The whole of the groceries and sundries were taken over at the
valuation agreed upon, and the shop and staff transferred
to the Bolton Society. The linen, millinery, &c., were not
taken over, but were sold privately amongst the members
themselves at a very satisfactory price. The shares of the
Bradshaw Society were £x each, ^5 constituting full
membership, and 20s. in the £ was repaid to the members
connected therewith.
Sweets were ordered to be supplied to Bridge Street
Grocery and all the Branch Shops, and that they be exposed
for sale.
No. 6 Branch, Hibbert Street, was opened in February,
1873, and has been a success.
Bolton Congress.
On Tuesday evening, April 3rd, 1873, a large meeting
was held in the Temperance Hall, under the presidency of
His Worship the Mayor (W. W. Cannon, Esq.), who was
supported by a large number of the principal promoters of
Co-operation who attended the Congress.
The Mayor commenced the proceedings by saying that
it afforded him much pleasure to comply with the wish of
the Co-operative Committee to take the chair on that
occasion. He presumed that he had been asked to take the
chair on account of his position as Mayor of that borough ;
but, whether that was so or not, he had made up his mind
when he was asked by his fellow-townsmen always to try
a:nd meet their wishes, whether it was taking a chair at
public meetings, or whether it was' performing some more
humble duty. He must confess his ignorance upon the
subject of Co-operation, fot it was one to which he had not
g2 History of the Great and Little Bolton
paid much attention, but he had come there that night to
obtain some information upon the subject rather than offer
any advice of his own. He did, however, intend to read all
the Press would give him at the close of the proceedings of
the Congress. He was glad to say that he had received from
the Secretary reports of the Bolton Society, and it was with
pleasure that he saw that the Society was going on well.
He was of an opinion that there was good in Co-operation.
Mr. George J. Holyoake commenced by referring to the
extended interest the present Co-operative Congress was
exciting on the part of the Press, not only of this but other
countries. From the first hour of the Congress until a few
minutes ago he had been writing to different parts of the
world an account of what had been done, so that what few
ideas he had, some of them were in Manchester, some in
Newcastle-on-Tyne, some in London, and some on their
way to New York and Massachusetts, so that he had but a
small collection of ideas on hand. It was not, however,
possible for him to be publicly called upon to speak upon a
subject like this without having an argument or something
to say upon Co-operation. The interest which was being
taken in Co-operation had been occasioned by the service
which people were now beginning to see that it had been
able to render to the lowest class in this country. There
were gentlemen on that platform who could never have been
interested in the welfare of the working classes in the way
they had but for the rise of Co-operation, which enlisted
their sympathies, and on which they had bestowed a large
amount of attention from its earliest hours till now. He
meant that it was an attempt on the part of the people to
combine together to introduce purity, honesty, and economy
into those arrangements which are necessary for subsistence
and for the management of their more immediate affairs . Now,
if they made combinations of men who undertook the supply
of articles of purity for consumption — why, that was not
only a wholesome thing in its result, but was a wholesome
thing upon the imagination of the men who were set upon
the business, and, if they strove, to attain an honest trade.
They knew how very difi&cult a thing it was to attain to, and
it was education of a sort to d^ise those means whereby
Co-operative Society Limited. 93
honesty should be possessed in trade, and whereby it should
be to the interest of those belonging to the Stores to be
honest. Purity in the article we consume meant a more
wholesome and secure kind of life. Honesty in business
meant also a nobler kind of life.
Mr. Ludlow said some twenty years ago he had tramped
on foot through a large portion of Lancashire, getting hints
at a Store here and there. They tried to get up a yearly
conference, but no organisation existed beyond these
individual Stores. Productive Co-operation at that time
seemed to them doomed to die ; still, they saw it making
its way in the shape of industrial partnerships with daily
increasing success. Within the last few weeks it had
happened to him to hear of the industrial principle being
applied in coal mines in different parts of the country. In
a Co-operative Society they would avoid wasting anything,
and would send good articles to the market which would
be of real value to those who purchased. He sincerely
trusted that the Co-operative operations of that part of the
country would do something more than had yet been done
to enable them to work out the principles of Co-operation
in London. A variety of circumstances had prevented the
successful carrying out of Co-operation there for many years.
The Quarterly Meeting of the members of the Great and
Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited was held in the
Co-operative Hall, Bridge Street, on March loth, 1873,
when there were upwards of 300 members present.
The minutes include a resolution authorising the payment
of a bonus to the servants of the Society in proportion to
the wages paid to each, such bonus to be paid at the rate
of 2\ per cent on the net profits, but no bonus to be paid
when the dividend is less than is. 6d. in the £. The meeting
also passed the following resolution, viz. : —
That the members present at this meeting, being aware of the
great ability and earnest labours of the late William Pare, Esq., in
the cause of Co-operation, we hereby testify our sincere and highest
respect for the memory of so good and great a man, whose noble and
courageous self-sacrifice to Co-operation will ever remain a living
monument to future Co-operators, and we deeply sympathise with
his family in their bereavement, and beg to offer a few words of
94 History of the Great and Little Bolton
condolence to them in the fact that he has done a noble work whilst
among us, and has left the human family and the world in a better
position than he found them.
It is worthy to note that Mr. Pare delivered the first
address that was ever given in Bolton on the subject of
" Co-operation; " this was in the month of March, 1830 ;
and on his visit to the town on the occasion of the Congress
last year (1872) he feelingly referred to the same, and
expressed himself gratified at the success of the movement
in Bolton.
The adoption of the principle of bonus payment to its
employes is recorded in the following resolution : — " That
bonus be paid to all the servants in the employ of this
Society that are in the receipt of weekly wages (March loth,
1873), such bonus to be fixed at the rate of 2^ per cent on
the net profits after there shall have been first secured to
the members a dividend of not less than is. 6d. in the £ on
their purchases, the bonus to be divided amongst the
servants in proportion to the wages paid to each."
That we were also open to help local Societies is proved
by the following resolution of September 26th, 1873 : —
" That, having been applied to by the Eagley Co-operative
Society as to what terms we wUl supply them with drapery,
clothing, and boots and shoes, we inform them that we will
allow their members the same dividend as we pay to our
own members."
In consequence of a fire occurring in the tailor's shop.
Bridge Street, the following resolution was entered on the
books : — " That the best thanks of this Board be given to
Messrs. Boardman and Vickers for the valuable services they
rendered on Saturday morning last (November 22nd) on
the occasion of the fire in our tailor's shop." Also, as was
only natural under the circumstances, " That our Manager
prepare a statement of our claim against the Insurance
Company for damage done by fire in our tailor's shop to our
stock and fixtures."
The increase of business transactions was very rapid at
this period, though the dividend paid on purchases was
still very low.
Co-operative Society Limited. 95
On August 26th, 1873, the Finance Committee recom-
mended " That more interest generally be taken in the
Societies we hold shares in ; that purchases from them,
when they can be made with the same advantage as from
other firms, be insisted upon, the different Sub-Committees
keeping that point well in mind ; and that, when purchases
cannot be made from those Societies advantageously,
complaints with particulars be made at once, and every
effort made to rectify grievances."
Very little progress is recorded during 1874, because
the dividend declared was so low, it having fallen to is.
in the middle portion of the year.
One of the founders of the Society having fallen on evU
days, a resolution of sympathy was accorded to him on
July 6th, 1874, and the following grant was made : —
" That, in reply to a request from Mr. James Eccles (who
was one of the first seven members that formed themselves
into a Committee to commence this Society), we hereby
authorise the Committee to grant the above-mentioned
James Eccles the sum of ^^5, the same to be taken from the
reserve fund."
In view of new premises being provided for the Tailor-
ing Department, a resolution was adopted, " That we give
notice to the landlord that we intend to give up possession
of the premises we now use as a tailor's shop, such notice to
terminate on the 12th day of February, 1875."
It was about this time that Mr. Oswald Rothwell was
appointed to manage the Flour and Provision Department
at Bridge Street Stores, the date being December 7 th, 1874.
The officers which are recorded as being up for election
are President, four Committee, one Auditor, and Treasurer.
The name of the Treasurer is given as Thomas Fox, sen.,
cabinet-maker.
The low dividend had a very depressing effect on the
trade, and as the Committee recognised that something was
wrong in the working somewhere, they decided to try and
find out where the mischief lay. Accordingly, a plan of
g6 History of the Great and Little Bolton
separate accounts for each Store was immediately adopted,
so that it could be seen what was the result of the trading
operations of each Store separately ; and a leakage account
was also instituted. As the result of the adoption of this
wise course, the success of future working was assured, and
the results since attained astonishing. There is no doubt
that much is due to the improved system of working then
adopted, for prior to that period it was rather a lax one, no
check on each Store's operations being in existence, except
in a very rough-and-ready fashion.
The year 1875 is chiefly remarkable from the introduction
of the Small Savings Bank. The question was gone into
early in the year, and the following resolution adopted on
February 8th : — " That Messrs. Boardman, Grime,
Entwistle, and our Secretary (W. Clegg) be hereby appointed
a Sub-Committee to mature a scheme for a Penny Savings
Bank in connection with this Society."
This Sub-Committee met on many occasions, and after
the scheme was drawn up and decided upon a further
resolution is recorded on June 7th, 1875 : — " That we call a
Special General Meeting of members, to be held at 7-30 p.m.
on Monday, July 5th, to consider and adopt the rules
proposed for the management of the Small Savings Fund-"
Following on the decision arrived at after discussion at
the meeting of members, the Children's Small Savings
Department was commenced in the September quarter of
1875-
Our Small Savings Department (it was then called
Children's Savings Bank) was commenced in the year. 1875.
The amount invested during the first year was £185. gs. id. ;
interest added, gs. gjd. ; withdrawn, £4. 4s. 6d. ; leaving
a balance at end of first year of £181. 14s. 4^d. This has
continued to prosper until at the end of igo8 we had 23,500
investors, who had standing to their credit the sum of
£3g,ioi. gs. 8d. The total amount deposited in this
department during the period under review is £255,859
i6s. lojd., to which we have added interest, £12,248. 7s. 2d.
Depositors have withdrawn £22g,oo6. 14s. 4id.
Co-operative Society Limited. 97
At a meeting of the Building Sub-Comniittee, which
was held on Thursday, October 21st, 1875, at which Messrs.
Tunstall, Johnson, Chadwick, Grime, and Taylor were
present, Mr. Cunliffe (the Architect) submitted a sketch of
the proposed plans for the intended new building in Bow
Street. These were viewed and thoroughly discussed, and,
after suggesting a few alterations, the Committee instructed
Mr. Cunliffe to proceed with them, and also to get tenders
of prices per foot or yard for laying in the foundation.
Another _ meeting was held a week afterwards, and
tenders from three firms were read, which stated the terms
on which they were willing to undertake the work proposed.
It was ultimately resolved that Mr. Glover be offered the
job of putting in the foundation for the proposed new
building at the prices named in his tender. Instructions
were also given to the Architect to draw up a contract to
that effect for him to sign. It was further agreed to accept
his offer of £12 for the old building, exclusive of gas fittings
and grates.
On December 9th Mr. Cunliffe had an interview with the
Committee, and submitted the plans and drawings of the
intended additional new building in Bow Street. These
were carefully gone through, and some improvements decided
upon, such as having a fireproof flooring extending from the
saferoom to the tailors' workshop (inclusive). Also to have
an open passage through the ante-room over what was then
the Committee-room by removing the back stairs, and so
obtain free access from the top of the stairs in the present
building to the sfairs in the proposed new extension.
History of the Great and Little Bolton
CHAPTER XIV.
1876-1878.
Bow Street Extension — New Engine Ordered — Report on
Condition of Shops — Stamps for capital purposes ordered
to he used — Large Hall opened — Slaughter-house taken —
Coalyard tried — Removal of Educational Department —
Lark Street Premises taken for Stables — Branch Extension —
Bonds — Dealings with Wholesale started — Opening of New
Reading and Conversation Rooms — General Survey of
Work in 1878 — Individual Inspectorships abolished —
Venture Street Store removed — Vernon Street Shop taken —
Furniture Department started — Death of Mr. Sheppard —
Quarterly Reports.
'HE main extensions in 1876 were the building of two
new shops in Bow Street, with large Storerooms
behind and above, at a cost of over £6,000.
On February 4th, 1876, the various tenders sent in for
the erection of the Bow Street extension were read and
considered, and it was unanimously resolved : " That the
tender of Mr. J. Marsden for the erection in Bow Street of
the addition to the Bridge Street Stores, as per the
Architect's specifications and quantities, be accepted, the
sum being £3,730."
At the next meeting it was reported that Mr. Marsden
had signed the contract, and agreed to complete all the
work by the end of October in the same year. The Clerk of
the Works also attended, and reported that the foundations
of the building were so far advanced that they were expected
to be finished the same week as the meeting was held in.
Along discussion took place on what the smaller of the
two new shops then being erected should be appropriated
Co-operative Society Limited. 99
to, the purpose of selling butcher's meat on these premises
being eventually decided upon on March 17th, 1876.
The Engineering Department next came in for considera-
tion, and on June 20th, 1876, it was decided to ask for
tenders for an engine about 7in. bore cylinder, with boiler
for same, with additional power to heat the building with
steam, and also a hoist with shafting to work the same,
and sundry other machines. On July 7th a decision was
arrived at that the engine should have a cylinder of 8in.
bore and I4in. stroke, and that this, together with other
necessaries, should be ordered. At the next meeting a
recommendation was put forth to remove the oven in the
old Bakehouse, and that its place should be appropriated
for the new steam boiler required for the Society's
purposes, and also that a new intermediate floor should
be put therein.
Even so late as this time the Large Hall was granted
to the Literary Committee free of charge.
On August loth, 1876, a report of the condition of the
shops was considered : (i) Derby Street, {2) Daubhill,
(3) Brownlow Fold, (5) Halliwell Road and Hibbert Street ;
and the recommendations of the Committee of Inspection
were ordered to be carried out. The report showed that,
generally speaking, the shops were in a fair state of repair.
On October i6th, 1876, arrangements were made to
affix a id. Inland Revenue stamp to aU withdrawals of
capital from the Society of over £2, in consequence of a
request from the Inland Revenue officials. The result of
this is that, although Co-operators are often charged with
the non-payment of income tax, they yet directly pay into
the coffers of the State no mean sum yearly as the result of
their operations of depositing and withdrawing capital
for their needs.
Several interesting resolutions were adopted this year,
one of them being in connection with the caretaking of the
Reading-roorrl in the Bow Street premises and the cleaning
of the rooms. This was passed on May 21st, 1877. It reads :
" That we join the Literary Committee in engaging a man
100 History of the Great and Little Bolton
to attend to the cleaning of these premises, and to attend
to the Reading-room, this Committee bearing two-thirds
of his wages, and the Literary Committee one-third, and that
he be paid bonus on the whole of his wages." Also resolved :
" That we offer the Eagley Society our dividend on their
trade in the Tailoring Department," and "That the Large
Hall be thrown open for letting after June gth, 1877."
The Butchering Department's needs at this time were
met by the following resolution: "That the Manager be
authorised to take the slaughter-house in question."
In order to make provision for the sale of coal in small
quantities a decision was made " That the Secretary be
empowered to make arrangements to give the coalyard
accommodation offered to us a trial."
The Literary Committee having a greater sum at their
disposal, the following resolution was adopted : " That the
minute dated October 8th, 1877, of the Finance Sub-Com-
mittee, fixing December 12th next as the date from which
the Literary Committee is to be charged with rent for the
Reading-room, be confirmed." On the date appointed a
further decision was come to in respect to this matter,
because the fixtures and fittings in the Small HaU were
hardly suitable for removal to the premises now used by the
Educational Department, and which they are to vacate
this year. October 8th, 1877: "That, in consideration
of the fixtures obtained from the Literary Committee,
that Committee do not commence rent for the Reading-
room until October 12th, 1877." It was only when these
rooms were occupied that the department came to be
called the " Educational Department," and recognised
as such, as prior to that date it was dubbed the " Literary
Committee."
In May, 1877, it was proposed that the Lark Street
premises should be altered and utilised as stables for the
Society's horses, which were then beginning to increase in
number, and on the loth of the month Mr. Cunliffe, the
Architect, was instructed to draw out plans for the
buildings proposed to be erected in connection therewith.
Co-operative Society Limited. loi
These were submitted to the Corporation, but before being
passed the Streets Department wished to make a little
street improvement, and for that purpose required one yard
of land which belonged to the Society. For this they offered
£$, which was accepted subject to the proviso that the
Corporation make the street good again at their own
. expense. The Building Sub-Committee further decided
to recommend " the adoption of the ground plan submitted
by the Architect for the proposed house and stables in
Lark Street, which had been approved by the Streets
Committee."
In December, 1877, a further development was mooted
by the proposal to build a Branch Store in the Haulgh.
This is embodied in the following resolution : — .
After having ascertained that the site of the old Toll Bar and
other land adjoining situated on Bury Road, Tonge Fold, is to
let, we recommend to the General Committee to take a sufficient
quantity for the purpose of a Store from the Earl of Bradford at
3^d. per yard, on condition that a clause be inserted in the deed
undertaking to compensate us from damage through the minerals
being got from under the building.
That the minutes dated November i6th, 1877, of the Finance
Sub-Committee, recommending that the whole of our servants
from whom guarantees or bonds are required be guaranteed through
the Co-operative Insurance Society, be confirmed.
It was not until November 20th that biscuits and
potatoes were purchased from the Wholesale. Resolved :
" That we make a trial purchase of a quantity of the
Wholesale Society's biscuits, and that a sample lot of
potatoes be purchased." Also, " That we give a month's
notice of our intention to vacate the stables in Back Church
Street."
Opening of New Reading and Conversation Rooms.
A visitor at Bolton on Saturday, June 9th, 1877,
straying into the neighbourhood of Bridge Street, would
have been struck with the number of well-dressed people
to be seen about the Co-operative Store — one of the finest
buildings in the street— and would have concluded that
102 History of the Great and Little Bolton
some event of an unusual character was taking place. The
occasion was the opening of new Reading and Conversation
Rooms in connection with the Bolton Society.
In the large Hall an excellent tea was served. This is
the Hall in which the Congress of 1872 was held, but previous
to this occasion it had been completely renovated, and
presented a very lively appearance. After tea a tour of
inspection of the Society's premises was made, and also of
the new, handsome, and commodious rooms just then added.
The following is a description of the premises : —
The addition comprised in the basement a large bakehouse
in the back, fitted with four ovens, lighted from the river
side, and at the front a store cellar, both fireproof, the floor
over being formed with iron beams and concrete arches. On
the ground floor are a tailor's and butcher's shop to the
front, store warehouses behind, and covered loading shed,
in connection with which are steam and hydraulic hoists.
The first floor is occupied entirely for warehouse purposes,
except a portion at the back, which is used as a tailor's
workroom ; whilst on the top storey is what is in some
respects the most interesting of the operations of the Society.
Hitherto the Literary Department had to be content with
a small room fronting Bridge Street, and the only
accommodation for the Board of Directors and the Manager
was a room at the back with a portion partitioned off for an
Office. Now the partition is removed and the whole room
made into a convenient, well-lighted Office ; and a new
Boardroom, 28 feet by 28 feet, is provided on the upper
storey of the addition. The old Reading-room was also
given up for trade purposes, and a handsome new Reading-
room, 38 feet by 33 feet, was formed on the upper storey
also, fronting Bow Street, and a Conversation-room,
23 feet by 19 feet, at the back. Additional ante-rooms
were also formed for use in connection with the large Hall
in the old building. The only entrance to this storey was
formerly from Bridge Street ; afterwards a second entrance,
with a broad, easy staircase, was provided from Bow Street,
and a spacious corridor at the side of the Hall connects the
two staircases, and gives much greater facility for ingress
Co-operative Society Limited. 103
or egress. At each end of this corridor extra lavatory and
closet accommodation has been provided. The Reading-
room measured 17 feet high and had a plastered ceiling,
formed into panels, with pitch pine beams and moulds, and
a pitch pine moulded cornice. All the rooms on this level,
and the corridors and staircase leading thereto, were
wainscoted with pitch pine varnished boarding. The
Reading and Conversation Rooms were amply furnished
with reading stands, tables, chairs, lending and reference
library, bookcases, writing desks, chess tables, &c., all in
wainscot oak from Messrs. Waddington (of Bolton). The
whole of the additions were designed by and carried out
under the superintendence of Mr. George Cunliffe (.Architect),
the contractor for the building portion of the works being
Mr. J. Marsden (of Bridge Street).
From 700 to 800 persons sat down to tea. At the
meeting afterwards held the chair was occupied by Mr.
Samuel Taylor (President of the Society).
The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, congratulated
the members upon the extension that had been made to
their premises, and expressed the opinion that their
educational facilities would now compare favourably with
those of any Store in Lancashire. He thought they all
ought to be proud of the means thus placed at their disposal,
and avail themselves of them to their utmost extent. He
hoped the Committee might again find it necessary to
increase the accommodation for educational purposes.
Mr. Mitchell (Chairman of the Wholesale Society) next
addressed the meeting. After alluding to the great success
accomplished by the Bolton Society, he spoke of the great
social changes which were sought to be effected by these
Co-operative Societies throughout the kingdom. They all
knew that if any man or body of men undertook to improve
the social condition of their fellows they were ceitain to
interfere with the vested interest of some persons. No
matter how vile or corrupt any undertaking might be, there
were always those ready to make a profit out of those
undertakings, and then' declare that they had a vested
104 History of the Great and Little Bolton
interest in the existence of their trade. They, as members
of Co-operative Societies, had started that business of
Co-operation, doing their own trade for themselves, and
they were then told that they were interfering with the
vested interests of other people. But in English society,
and by the English law, every man had a right to do as he
pleased, so long as he pleased to do right, and, therefore, no
man or body of men had a right, under any circumstances,
to find fault with them because they chose to do their own
business themselves instead of allowing other people to do
it for them. If they were to stop in their work because
they interfered with vested interests they would make no
progress in social reform at all. But that was not their
object ; their motto was onward to a brighter day, a day of
wealth and prosperity to the great body of the people.
Mr. Mitchell concluded his address by an earnest appeal to
the members to be faithful to the Co-operative principle as
embodied in the Store and in the great Wholesale Society
of which they were members.
Mr. John Hilton (Middleton) also addressed the members.
Mr. George Cunliffe (Architect to the Society) said it was
a good many years since he first had to do with the erection
of the buildings on that site, and it was gratifying to him
to think that from the time they began to build his connec-
tion with the Society was unbroken. But if it was a
gratification to him to build the block of buildings, it was
a greater pleasure to be engaged upon the work the com-
pletion of which they were celebrating that eveniijg. It
was all very well to build shops, and very pleasant to carry
on their own trade in them, but there was something else
wanted beside that in connection with such a Society.
Now, he thought they were only doing their duty, and the
work they had been engaged in was incomplete if they left
undone the work of providing better accommodation for
their Literary and Educational Department, and he thought
the investment they had made in the rooms wherein their
educational work would be carried on was quite as good as
their investments in either the Co-operative Wholesale
Society or th? Rgghd^le Corn Mm. The greatest source
Co-operative Society Limited. 105
of comfort a working man could liave was to devote
some of his leisure time and money to the study of
literature and the cultivation of his mind. He believed
there was nothing which would pay better in the long
run. They all had troubles in the world, both at home
and at work, but if they could turn away their minds to the
study of some subject which took their thoughts entirely
away, they lost themselves in the interest of something else.
A necessity lay upon us all to do something more than buy
and sell and get gain. It was all very well to do that, but
if a man stopped there he left undone the very highest work
that ought to occupy his time. They had done very good
work in providing those educational facilities, and he wished
the ladies had some similar advantages, for he often thought
that the females were not fairly dealt with in this country.
But he felt certain, however, that the female members of
that Society would rejoice that the male members had such
increased opportunities for carrying on their mental culture,
which made them better husbands, better fathers, and better
brothers. The education of the mind always paid well,
because it tended to the improvement of the individual.
In 1878 the businesses carried on were grocery, drapery,
butchering, tailoring, and boots and shoes. There were
eleven Branches, and a twelfth was opened on April 4th.
These were in addition to the large Central Stores, which
were the backbone of the movement locally. The sales
then averaged £6. 6s. 2d. per member, and the share capital
worked out at £13. 7s. 7d. each. In the matter of sales
there was room for considerable improvement, as these
only averaged 9s. gd. per week per member, and scarcely
represented the amount usually spent in a working man's
family in the articles then supplied by the Society.
It was even then admitted that the Society was well
managed, every facility for trade being given ; the profits
were good ; and that the educational advantages offered
were excellent. The blame for this comparatively low
average of trade cannot, therefore, have rested with the
Committee, but must be attributed to the want of a proper
appreciation of Co-operative principles on the part of the
io6 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
members ; also to the thousand and one reasons that a
housewife will give for going to the nearest shop instead of
to the Store. These influences operate in most Societies,
but the Committee were not without hope, from the efforts
put forth by the Educational Committee of this Society
to spread a knowledge of Co-operation, that the members
will eventually come to see that it is to their own real
advantage to make all their purchases at their own Store.
Even then the Society had money invested in most of
the Co-operative productive concerns, and held a mortgage
of ;f 10,000 on the Bugle Horn Colliery ; fixed stock was
depreciated at the rate of lo per cent, and buildings at 2^
per cent ; and the same rate was allocated as bonus to
servants, and for educational work. The cash account
shows subscriptions of £5. 5s. each to the Merthyr Tydvil
Distress Fund, and the agenda paper for the quarterly
meeting contained a notice of motion to increase the
annual subscription to the Bolton Infirmary to £10. los.
On January 7th, 1878, a resolution was arrived at as
follows : " That in future individual inspectorships be
abolished, and the inspections of the various departments
be made by the Sub-committee for each department." Also
on January nth, 1878 : —
That our Clerk of Works be instructed to examine Venture Street
Store and prepare an estimate of the probable cost of reinstating the
shop to its original condition, also the cost of making the present
shop and house next door into a Store. Also to examine the two
cottages in Venture Street, and prepare an estimate of the cost of
making them into a Store, using up all old fittings.
Respecting this matter, a further decision was come to
on January 21st, 1878 : —
That the vacant shop in Vernon Street be inspected, and decide
upon the alterations to be made, and to what purpose the shop shall
be appUed, and that the Manager provide scales, weights, &c.,
required at the Vernon Street shop, which it is intended to open in
a few weeks for the sale of flour and provisions.
That the Educational Committee be charged for coals supplied
to the Branch Newsrooms at the rate of is. per week for each room.
In September, 1879, the Furniture Department started
in connection with the Drapery Department in Bridge Street.
it
^ yi 11 « s si -
\ 1 ^»L
\ HIBBERT bT STORE I
\ \b onginalh built
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 109
The following are the chief resolutions of this period : —
April 22nd, 1878. — That our carters be supplied with jackets and
hats, and the horses with decorations, same as last year, for May
Day.
May 6th, 1878. — That a report be obtained as to the probability
of a Store established at Darcy Lever being successful.
May 13th, 1878. — That we agree to tender for ;^3,ooo of the pro-
posed 5 per cent London and North- Western Railway Company
Preference Stock, to be issued at the rate of ;£ioo stock for £12.0 of
money.
That we also agree to advance ;£3,ooo to the Bolton Union
Spinning Company Limited, on security of the debenture bonds of
that company, for a term of three years, the said bonds to be a first
charge upon the unpaid share capital and all the assets of the
company, and to , contain an undertaking that if, before the
expiration of such term, the company desire to mortgage or grant
a bill of sale over any portion of their property, they previously
repay us the whole of the £3,000, and any interest which may be
due on the same.
The report obtained being of a satisfactory nature, a
proposal was adopted to open a Store at Darcy Lever as
soon as practicable. A deputation was appointed to visit
Darcy Lever and make inquiries for suitable premises or
land for a Branch Store.
A further resolution was : —
That we forward a petition to the House of Commons, through
the Right Hon. W. E. Forster, against those provisions of the Con-
tagious Diseases (Animals) Bill which enforce the slaughter of all
animals at the port of debarkation, and that the seal of the Society
be affixed thereto.
On August 19th the Committee were recommended to
appropriate the property in Burns Street for shop purposes
by the time the tenancy in Newport Street expired.
The minutes of the Building Sub-Committee, confirmed
on October ist, 1878, contained a recommendation that the
whole of the Darcy Lever property be used for Store premises
and a Reading-room ; also that an additional pair of stairs
be erected in the lobby to get to the front room over the
shop, which it was proposed to appropriate for a Reading-
room. -Further recommendations were to remove the
no History of the Great and Little Bolton
parlour window and put in a pair of doors, the parlour to be
used as an unloading place, the hoist to be erected in the
room over, and the then present shop and kitchen be
appropriated for the shop, the kitchen to be used as the
Flour Department, which was to be connected with the shop
by an opening in the form of an arch about 6ft. or 7ft. wide ;
and an opening made from the unloading place or parlour
to what was then the bakehouse there.
" That the scale of prices adopted and agreed upon by
the master doggers of Little Bolton for re-clogging be
adopted by us on and after Wednesday, October i6th, 1878,
re-ironing to remain as it is at present."
In connection with the death of Mr. W. Sheppard, who
was then a member of the Committee of Management,
arrangements were made for the whole of the Committee,
the Manager, the Secretary, and the Auditors to attend
his funeral on Saturday, November 2nd, 1878. It was also
resolved that the Secretary should write a letter of
condolence to Mrs. Sheppard, and that the same be entered
in the minute book : —
The Committee, on behalf of this Society, respectfully desires to
express its sincere sympathy with you and your family in your present
bereavement. The members of the Committee also wish to add an
expression of their sorrow at the loss they have individually sustained
by the death of one they so thoroughly and deservedly respected.
The Society mourns the loss of one who, for over ten years, has
assisted in its management with the greatest success, and the
members of the Committee mourn the loss of one who, in addition,
during the time they have been associated with him, endeared him-
self to each of them as a highly-esteemed personal friend.
At the next meeting a resolution was passed : " That
the vacancy on the Committee caused by the death of Mr.
Sheppard be not filled untU the election at the annual
meeting, and that the amount which would have been due
to Mr. Sheppard had he served out his term of office be
paid to his widow."
In response to an application from the Eagley Society
respecting the terms on which this Society was willing to
supply their members with needed articles, the following
Co-operative Society Limited. iii
report was obtained : "In connection with the Eagley
Society's application for commission on drapery, &c., they
had from Dunn 12 per cent on shoes, and j\ to 10 per cent
on Drapery and Clothing. They did a business of £100 in
the quarter prior to their application, and ;£i8o in the
quarter before that."
The 69th quarterly report of our Society, dated March
13th, 1877, showed the number of members to be 5,417.
The businesses carried on were grocery, drapery,
butchering, tailoring, boots and shoes, and the average
trade per member was £6. 6s. lod., or short of los. per week.
In the matter of loyalty to their own Store, the members of
the Bolton Society fell considerably below the members
of many Stores of similar magnitude carrying on the same
businesses. In Rochdale and Oldham the average trade
was £11 and £12. per quarter per member. It was but
fair to say, however, that the butchering business had only
commenced during the current quarter. Still there was
room for improvement, and it was well to remind members
that to the extent of which they took their trade away from
the Store they were weakening the hands of the Committee
and disregarding their own interests. The share capital
amounted to £76,949, or an average of £14. 4s. for each
member. The reserve fund was more than 6d. in the £ of
share capital, and there was besides a dividend reserve fund
of £430. The Society gave substantial support to Co-opera-
tive production, the investments almost without exception
being in Co -operative concerns. These investments realised
a clear profit of £665 after paying interest on the total
share capital. This was very satisfactory, as were also the
results of the trading department.
In July, 1877, there were the Central and eleven Branch
Stores, and grocery, drapery, boots and shoes, tailoring,
and butchering departments. The sales averaged £6. 17s. 2d.
per member, and share capital £13. 9s. each. The reserve
fund was 6Jd. for every £1 of share money, and fixed stock
reduced 10 per cent, and buildings 2|- per cent. The
Educational Department received 2J per cent of the net
profits, and it will be remembered by readers that new and
112 History of the Great and Little Bolton
commodious Reading and Conversation Rooms had been
opened. The Society gave faciUties for the members to
become possessed of their own houses, and also encouraged
thrift amongst the children by taking their small savings.
Servants received 2^ per cent of the net profits as a bonus,
and the dividend was 2S. 6d. in the £. Out of the profits of
this quarter the Society's shares in the United Co-operative
Coal Mining Society were depreciated £400, or 40 per cent ;
and those in Barlow and Jones Limited £100, or 10 per cent.
We are sure we can pay no higher compliment to the
members of this Society than to mention that at the same
meeting at which this was done a resolution was passed to
subscribe £iQO to a new Infirmary proposed to be erected
in the town.
Co-operative Society Limited. ii'
CHAPTER XV.
1 879-1 880.
Removing to Burns Street Store — First Annual Tea Party
and Entertainment — Report of Proceedings — February
Resolutions — Management — Relief given at Bradshaw —
Notice given for Newport Street Store — Sub-Committee
Reports — Clogging — Shoemakers.
EARLY in the year a move was made towards vacating
the Newport Street premises by preparations for
another shop in Burns Street. In order to prepare for
replacing this shop the tenants of the Burns Street premises
which had been purchased by this Society were asked to
leave at once, and they would be allowed to go without
paying any rent which might be due from them. There was
originally a small yard or court here which contained a
cottage, but the yard and cottage were ordered to be
dispensed with, and the suggestion of the Architect to utilise
them for the enlarging of the Storeroom was agreed to.
Another important resolution passed at this time was
the one relating to the Annual Tea Party and Entertain-
ment. This reads : " That we hold the first of an intended
series of Annual Tea Parties and Entertainments on
Saturday, February 15th, 1879." A report of the
proceedings at this party is as follows : —
The first Annual Tea Party and Entertainment of the members
took place at the Hall, Bridge Street, when 600 persons sat down to
tea. At the meeting afterwards the chair was occupied by James
Barlow, Esq., J. P.
The Secretary (Mr. Hackney) gave the annual report, which stated
that, notwithstanding the depression in the trade of the town during
the previous year, the number of members was larger than in any
time in its historj'. During the year 1878 a total sum of ^^175, 461
was drawn over the counters. For interest on capital and dividend
on purchases a sum of nearly ^25,000 was paid to members ; £573
114 History of the Great and Little Bolton
was devoted to educational purposes ; the reserve fund was increased
by ;^466 ; and £f,Ti paid as bonuses to employes. Nearly ^240,000
was invested in dwelling-houses, which were sold to members, and
the Juvenile Savings Bank had 1,500 depositors.
The Chairman said he took it as an honour to be invited to take
the chair at their Annual Meeting. The report which had been read
must be satisfactory to every member of that great Society. It was
impossible to tell the amount of good that was being done in the town
through its agency, and it had been extraordinarily well managed
for nineteen years. It was something astounding to listen to the
statistics which had been given, first as to members, secondly as to
the capital, and thirdly as to the extent of the business turnover.
People in business looked at the results of a business as the best test
of its good management. The profits were everything that could be
wished. He had had the pleasure of going through the Stores and
seeing the enormous quantity of provisions brought in and classified,
and he was quite satisfied that they were bought on the very best
terms and from the best markets. He did not think a merchant
could go and buy his goods better than those connected with that
establishment. The order that was manifest throughout the Stores
gave all the indications of perfect organisation, and he did not think
there was any large manufacturing establishment that had its
business organised in a better manner. As to the building itself, if
he were a shareholder in it he should feel proud of belonging to such
an establishment. There was nothing about it, from top to bottom,
or end, or side, that was of a jerry character. Everything was good
and substantial, and fitted with every comfort, convenience, and
elegance. He had often said that Co-operative Societies were
educational institutions, for they taught the great principles of order,
system, economy, and saving. Persons came in from day to day and
week to week and went through the Reading-room and Library, and
there were all the elegances that could be desired. He did not think
any Club in Lancashire could desire a better Reading-room and
Library or Boardroom than what that Society possessed. We were
all suffering from very great depression in trade and commerce, not
only in England, but throughout the world. There were a great
many causes for that ; but one of the causes, and that a very great
cause, had been that credit had been sadly too cheap — too many
facilities had been given to people with a little dash and energy to get
hold of other people's money and then trade upon it. If there was
any profit they would grab that, but if there was any loss, then it
must fall upon those who had the money. Co-operation had taught
them the advantage of trading with cash, and not so much abominable
paper money, which had been a curse to the country. Their method
of conducting commercial transactions was an honest one. It had been
said in the report that people had been prophesying that the Society
was going to break up. They would never do that while they were
conducting their business as they were. It was not possible, for they
were only trading with their own money. They did not go and
borrow money from the banks, and he would repeat it was an utter
Co-operative Society Limited. 115
impossibility, so long as the Society was well looked after, that a
Society like this could come to a crash. He wished there were such
establishments in every town in the country. He wished them every
success, and hoped that they would increase their returns to double
what they were, because in doing so it would bring increased comfort
to the families of the town, and would teach them such habits as
would tend to elevate the tone and raise the national morality and
stability of the country.
Looking at this to-day we can see how well these hopes
have been fulfilled. Yet for all that we are still unsatisfied,
and desire to reach out to still greater and nobler achieve-
ments.
A few more of the February resolutions are recorded
below : —
That the Secretary act as Manager of the Society whenever the
Manager is absent, and that the Sub-Committees instruct their
departments accordingly. (February 3rd, 1879.)
That we do not entertain the question of the purchase of the
Crook Street warehouse, but proceed at once to utilise Burns Street
property as a Branch Store. Darcy Lever additions ordered to be
carried out. (February loth, 1879.)
That on goods supplied from our Bradshaw Store on account of
the Bradshaw and Harwood Relief Committee we allow that Com-
mittee 2s. in the £ in lieu of checks. (February loth, 1879.)
That the Secretary give notice to Mr. Harper of our intention to
vacate the shop we now hold of him in Newport Street at the expira-
tion of the present year of our tenancy. (February 17th, 1879.)
Here follow a few Sub-Committee reports : —
Clogging.
We had a deputation from the Cloggers' Union to try to induce
us to make an advance on re-ironing. We had a long conversation
with them on the question, but failed to see any reason why we should
advance the price at all under the present circumstances. We had
Mr. Balshaw before us to confer witli him on the question of reducing
the price of clogging. He reported that the diffeirence in receipts as
per average of last quarter would amount to ;^25. is. 8d. if we adopted
the list of other firms. We find that the margin of profit is so small
that we resolved to recommend a reduction of 2d. per pair on men's
clogs, and others in the same proportion.
April 29th, 1880. — That the Master Cloggers' Association be
informed that we cannot advance our prices for clogging until they
have adopted their revised list of prices themselves, especially seeing
that the Co-operative Society kept up their prices several weeks after
the Master Cloggers had reduced theirs. When we have seen that
ii6 History of the Great and Little Bolton
the Master Cloggers are unanimous in their advanced prices, the Co-
operative Society will be willing to advance their prices for clogging
also.
Shoemakers.
October 17th, 1879. — We had a deputation from the Men's
Association with regard to the notice for reduction. The investi-
gator informed us that already twelve masters had agreed to pay
the old rate of wages, and only four remained out at the time he
appeared before us. He also informed us that the rate of wages paid
in Bolton is in some cases less than is paid in some other towns.
Resolved, — (i) " That we allow our shoemakers to come in at the old
rate of wages."
(2) " That we cease our connection with the Masters' Association."
October 23rd, 1879. — We had a deputation from the Master
Shoemakers' Association. Mr. Williams (the Secretary) pointed out
to us that we had gained a sum not far short of ;£300 to ;£4oo as a
result of the late strike, which he believed was carried out successfully
through the instrumentality of the Masters' Association. He also
pointed out that several firms in the town were getting their riveted
work done for lod. — what we were giving is. and is. 2d. for — and
that the men had placed an erroneous statement before us on the
previous Thursday evening. It was stated that the Association
then consisted of twenty-four members, and not sixteen, as stated by
the investigator, and it was also denied that all the men had gone in
at all the shops with the exception of four, but Mr. Williams said
that there were four shops where the men had gone in and would be
turned out again this week.
We have now reached a very important period in the
Society's history, its 21st Anniversary, which was made a
special time for rejoicing, and, as it marks one period of the
Society's history, a resume of operations to this date is
given in the following chapter.
Co operative Society Limited.
CHAPTER XVI.
TWENTY-ONE YEARS.
Resume of Operations in Brief — Twenty-first Birthday Party.
CHE Great and Little Bolton Equitable Industrial
Co-operative Society was founded under much more
favourable circumstances than many other such
Societies. The following is a review of its operations up to
the 2ist birthday.
The Society was constituted and business commenced
on November 4th, 1859, in premises in Derby Street, Great
Bolton, a Branch for Little Bolton being opened in Manor
Street a few months later. In their first report (particulars
of which appear elsewhere) the Directors naturally express
their pride and gratification at having achieved so much in
so short a time, and ask, with such facts before them, who
couldsay what the next fifteen years would do for the Society?
It will be seen presently what the succeeding fifteen
years did for the Society, and what twenty-one years did
also. We are told that while Co-operation was only
a theory in Bolton the members had great difficulty in
persuading their wives to trade at the Stores. In most
households the wife has the responsibility of laying out the
limited income, and when 'we find their experience teaching
them that this can be done to the best advantage at the
Stores, and they are anxious to be in a position to enjoy the
benefits offered, we may say such facts speak well for the
Society.
Even at the end of its twenty-one years' existence the
Society had attained a size and usefulness the founders of
it had no conception of. The members numbered 8,547,
and they had a paid-up capital of ;£ii3,575- The receipts
over the counter for the last quarter in 1880 reached
Ii8 History of the Great and Little Bolton
i^Ofiji, and the profit £6,693. 19s. gd. In addition to the
Central premises there were 16 Branch Stores, the amount
expended on trade buildings being over £40,000. The
Cottage Building Department, through which advances are
made to members on security of mortgages on house
property, was doing a large amount of beneficial work in
assisting members to become owners of houses to live in,
the amount then invested in house properties being £33,585.
The Small Savings Bank, which was only commenced in
July, 1875, had then 2,500 depositors, who had invested
£1,244, and its business was increasing rapidly. The
Educational Department, on which £600 a year was being
expended, was making itself felt in the town as an
educational agency, eight Reading-rooms, a Lending
Library, containing 2,000 volumes. Science Classes, Lectures,
and Entertainments being supported and vigorously
conducted.
The Society itself was engaged in aU manner of
businesses — grocery, provisions, coals, baking, drapery,
millinery, furniture, boots, shoes, and clogs, tailoring,
butchering, building society's business, juvenile banking,
and education. It directly employed 169 persons. It then
stood, with its vast organisation for good, an example of
what can be done by working men, and, as history now
shows, it has accomplished up to the time of its Jubilee in
1909 a greater amount of good than it has ever done in the
past.
Twenty-first Anniversary Meeting.
On Saturday, February 19th, 1881, the 21st anniversary
of the Society was celebrated by a Tea Party, Public Meeting,
and Entertainment. The proceedings throughout were
characterised by the greatest enthusiasm, and were
attended with complete success. Tea, of which about 1,100
persons partook, was served in the Society's Large HaU,
and on leaving the tables the people adjourned to the
Temperance HaU, where the after meeting was held.
During the interval before the start of the meeting they were
entertained with selections of music by a brass band. At
Co-operative Society Limited. 119
seven o'clock, by which time there were about 1,500 persons
present, Mr. Thomas Hargreaves (then President of the
Society) took the chair, and was supported by Mr.
Taylor (ex-President), Mr. Hackney (Secretary), and
delegates from other Societies. The speakers of the evening
were Mr. J. T. W. Mitchell (Rochdale) and Mr. E. 0. Greening
(London). The Chairman congratulated the members on
the hearty response they had made to the Committee's
appeal to them to join in the celebration of the 21st anniver-
sary in the Society's history. After a reference to the small
beginnings of the movement, he said their Society had now
grown so large that the Committee had had the audacity to ask
the Mayor of the borough to take the chair on that occasion.
In this, however, they were doomed to disappointment.
Two years previously they had invited the then Mayor of
the town, and the Committee then had full confidence that
he would come among them. After a few appeals, however,
the Mayor intimated to the Committee that the Town Clerk
had advised him not to do so. On this occasion they had
appealed to the newly-elected Mayor, who had also declined.
The Committee then turned upon him (the Chairman), and
said he would have to preside. In the course of some further
remarks he urged upon those present the important duty of
exclusive loyalty to their own Society.
Mr. Hackney (then Secretary) read a report, from which
we cull a few extracts : —
The year 1880 witnessed a slight revival in trade, from which this
Society derived considerable benefit. Since the last report a new
Store in Bradford Street, Haulgh, had been opened, and was doing a
satisfactory business. Premises had been secured, and the necessary
alterations were almost completed, for new Stores in Folds Road and
Moor Lane. These would make the number of Branch Stores into
sixteen. A site had also been obtained at the corner of Bridge Street
and Bark Street for buildings to contain drapery, millinery, furniture,
and boot and shoe shops, which were to be completed and opened
during that year. The amount paid for these additions the previous
year was ^^7,046, and for fixtures, &c., connected with them ^378.
On the other hand, ;£883 had been wiped off as depreciation of fixed
stock so that they were then wiping off each year an amount almost
sufficient to pay for two new Stores. The reserve fund then amounted
to /i,863. The increase in the number of the depositors in the Small
Savings Bank was at a more rapid rate than the members of the
Society, who had increased by 724 during the same time.
120 History of the Great and Little Bolton
The Chairman remarked that if it should ever fall to his
lot to be Mayor of Bolton he should regard it as the greatest
honour of his life to take the chair for a Society that had
accomplished such results for his townsmen as the Secretary
had just read. (A voice : " We'll have a Co-op. Mayor, an'
then. ' ' — Laughter. )
Mr. Mitchell then addressed the meeting. He said he
had addressed many Co-operative audiences in his time,
but he did not recollect to have spoken to so magnificent
an audience as the one he saw before him. Referring to the
history of that Society during the past twenty-one years,
he said he did not know of another whose progress had been
jo great, so rapid, and so powerful.
Mr. E. 0. Greening delivered a lengthy and eloquent
speech. He said it was a pleasure for him to come all the
way from London and to find in Bolton such earnestness
and success. Although they started that enterprise with
so much resolution and hope, he ventured to say that there
was not a man ?,mongst them who could have stood up in
the streets of Bolton and prophesied the things that had been
accomplished by the Society during that period. He con-
trasted the position of the working classes of Bolton twenty-
one years ago with their position then, and claimed that
the Co-operative Society, assuming that 8,000 members
represented so many householders, had rescued one-fourth
of the population of the town from dependence and
degradation. The average capital in the Society was equal
to a quarter of a year's subsistence for each member at £1
per week, while the condition of most of them before joining
the Society was that of being a week behind. Mr. Greening
then referred to the conditions which surrounded the
lives of the working people, and quoted from the mortality
returns to show the effect of those conditions on the average
duration of human life. By Co-operation they might free
themselves from poverty, degradation, and debt, without
robbing the rich man's table of one of the indigestible
dishes with which he delights to make himself iU at the
expense of his pocket.
Co-operative Society Limited, 121
CHAPTER XVII.
1880.
Educational Minutes — Appointment of Roomkeeper and
Librarian — Almanacs — Bark Street Property Purchased
— Sausage Making — Offer of Tobacco Factory — Moor
Lane Premises Bought.
IT was not until October 6th, 1879, that the minutes of
the Educational Committee were submitted to the
members for passing at the first monthly meeting after
each quarterly meeting.
The salaries of the Educational Committee at this time
were advanced to 15s. each per quarter, and the Secretary
£1 per quarter in addition, and the Treasurer los. per
quarter.
On March 15th, 1880, the roomkeeper, who up to that
time was engaged to look after the Reading-room and
Library in the Small HaU, Bow Street, jointly by the
General and Educational Committees, was asked to resign,
and on March 22nd the President (Mr. W. Rigby) and Mr.
Hargreaves were appointed as a deputation to wait on the
Educational Committee with reference to the engagement
of a successor.
When a fresh roomkeeper was appointed for this work
he was placed entirely under the management of the
Educational Department, who then paid the whole of his
wages, he also having charge of the Library.
In September, 1880, a further deputation was appointed
to wait on the Educational Committee with reference to the
almanacs required to be published for the next year.
These had been previously produced under the auspices
of the Committee of Management annually, and sold at id.
each. The Educational Committee as the result of this
122 History of the Great and Little Bolton
meeting took the matter into consideration, and they now
produce an almanac annually for presentation to the
members free, but it was not until several years after the
conference that they relieved the Committee of Management
of this work. The first almanacs were usually engraved
sheets with illustrations of all the Stores thereon, five of
the old plates being used to illustrate this book.
In April, 1880, No. 14 Branch was opened, and premises
secured for two more Branches. Land was also secured
near the Central Stores for new buildings to extend the
Drapery, Boot and Shoe, and Furniture businesses, the
space at that time devoted to those departments being
totally inadequate to meet the increased business done,
and the property in Bark Street, then intended for new
Stores, was purchased in June, 1880, and on the 28th the
Secretary was instructed to affix the seal of the Society to a
conveyance made between the trustees of John Mellowdew
on the one part, his mortgagees of the other part, being a
conveyance of the plot of land and premises erected thereon
situated in Bridge Street and Bark Street to the Society.
These premises were formerly used as an ale and porter
bottling establishment.
The adjoining premises, then in the possession of Mr.
Ormerod as a corn warehouse, having been likewise pur-
chased, the Secretary was also instructed to complete the
conveyance in this case also. Both these plots were utilised
in the construction of the present Tailoring and Hat and
Cap Departments. The well which is in the old cellar of
these premises was ordered to be covered over with iron
girders, concrete, and a flag. It was formerly used for
providing the water used by Mr. Ormerod, and amply
filled all requirements.
In October instructions were given that the necessary
steps should be taken to commence sausage making on our
own account, a work that is very successfully managed
to-day. This is one of those small productive departments
worked in connection with the Butchering Department
that has never caused any trouble, and it has further had
one continued and successful run of progress since the
Co-operative Society Limited.
123
start. We now produce an article that is considered by the
members to be second to none in quality, and cannot be
beaten anywhere.
The Society also had the offer of a Tobacco Factory
made to it at this time, but the Committee did not see their
way to accept it, even though the conditions under which
the offer was made might be considered fair.
During August, 1880, the purchase of the property now
comprising the Moor Lane Store was completed. This
Store has been fairly successful, as it is situated in a populous
neighbourhood. It adds its share to the general receipts
from the trading establishments of the Society.
124 G^^'^t (in^ Littl? Bolton Co-operative Sopiety Limited,
CHAPTER XVIII,
1881-1882.
Efforts for Outside Trade — Educational Provisions — Shop
Alterations — Daubhill New Store provided for — Lark Street
Premises Altered for Stables — Check Taking — Changes in
1881 — Transfer of Land to the Corporation — Hat and Cap
Manager Appointed — Egerton Society seeks Affiliation —
Annual Festival, 1882 — Checks given on Sugar.
DURING this year many efforts were made to obtain
the trade of the small outside Societies in tailoring
and drapery chiefly. One resolution reads :
"Resolved: That a deputation wait upon the Edg worth
Co-operative Society, as requested, with reference to
their drapery business." Egerton, Eagley, Little Lever,
Little Hulton, and other Societies were also approached
and business done in many cases.
On March 28th, 1881, a decision was arrived at : " That in
connection with the new premises in Bridge Street and
Bark Street provision be made for the appropriation of the
whole of the upper floor for educational purposes." This
meant a move for the Educational Department from Bow
Street Small Hall to Bark Street. It is strange how history
repeats itself, for the Educational Department has now to
remove back again to Bow Street in the new premises
opened during the Jubilee celebrations. With the com-
pletion of the Bridge Street and Bark Street premises a
revision of the Central departments was able to be carried
out. Therefore, on November 21st, 1881, the following
arrangement was ordered to be made : " The present Boot
and Shoe Shop be appropriated as a Hat and Cap and
Gentlemen's Outfitting Department, the Tailoring Depart-
ment to be removed to the portion of the premises now
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 127
occupied by the Drapery Department," and what was then
the Tailor's shop was ordered to be added to the Butchery
Department.
At the Committee Meeting held on Monday, May 9th,
1881, the Secretary was instructed to complete the arrange-
ments for the taking of a plot of land situated in St. Helens
Road, DaubhiU, for the purpose of replacing the old Store
in that district with a new and more up-to-date one. This
was to be erected on the principle of the Haulgh Store as
near as the land would permit, and, as was usual in those
days when any striking business development was organised
by the Committee of Management, provision was made for
a Reading-room also in the same building, with a separate
entrance in Croston Street. The need for providing
additional stabling for horse accommodation began to be
felt very greatly at this time owing to the great business
expansion, and the matter was placed into the hands of
the Building Committee for consideration and suggestions
relating thereto, with the result that eventually alterations
were made to the Lark Street Temperance Hall, making that
building into stables, and the house connected therewith
appropriated for the horse keeper. This was in November,
1881, and on the 25th of the same month the following
resolution was passed: " That the Educational Committee
be charged for the use of the reading and classrooms in the
new premises in Bridge Street and Bark Street £2^ per
quarter."
It was not until August nth, 1881, that the present
system of receiving checks was instituted. This is recorded
in a minute as follows : " That in future checks brought in
by members be entered direct into their contribution books,
and that the receipts and contribution book be copied from
same."
The year 1881 commenced with a trade of £49,650 per
quarter, and ended with a trade of £60,612. In the
December quarter of the same year the premises in Bark
Street were completed, the total cost being a little under
£14,000. The Drapery Department was removed from the
old central premises to this building, as was also the Boot
128 History of the Great and Little Bolton
and Shoe Department. A few weeks later the Furniture
Department was also brought here, rented premises in
Bridge Street, opposite, being given up. The butchers and
tailors both being cramped for room, the two shops were
made into one very commodious shop for the butchers,
and the tailors were removed to the shop vacated by the
drapers. The Hat and Cap Department also started at this
time was a new venture.
Since the Society became a property owner on its own
account it has on several occasions met the Corporation of
Bolton fairly on matters relating to streetage and street
improvements. One of the iirst minutes met with relating
to matters of this kind is the one recorded at the Committee
Meeting, Monday, January 30th, 1882 : —
That the Secretary do affix the seal of the Society to an assign-
ment made between this Society of the one part and the Mayor,
Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough of Bolton of the other part,
being an assignment of a piece of land situated in Harvey Street
from the Society to the Corporation.
By this action the Corporation acquired a strip of land
which enabled them to make a greatly-improved street
entrance, and so opened it out considerably. It, however,
interfered with the old building line, but the improvement
was no small one to this street, and the Society's premises
now look better for the work carried out there, even if a bit
cramped. By the action of the Committee in starting the
Hat and Cap Department the management of the shop had
to be provided for. How the difficulty was bridged the
following resolutions show : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, February 13th, 1882. — That we
advertise for a man who thoroughly understands the business to take
charge of the Hat and Cap Department.
Committee Meeting, Monday, March 6th, 1882. — That we engage
Mr. J. Slater as salesman for the Hat and Cap Department.
At this time the old Egerton Co-operative Society got
somewhat into difficulties, and efforts were made by the
members to get affiliated with the Bolton Society, with the
result recorded in the following minute : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, March 13th, 1882. — That wc
inform the Egerton Society that we cannot recommend the taking
Co-operative Society Limited. 129
over of their Society^ but shall be glad to supply the members
with clothing, &c., on the same principle as we deal with other
Societies.
A further reference to this Society was made at the
Committee Meeting held on Monday, April 24th, 1882 : —
That we send a deputation to Egerton, as requested, relating to
the clothing business of their members, and that Messrs. Vickers
and Thomasson be the delegates.
On Saturday, March 18th, 1882, the annual festival in
connection with the Bolton Co-operative Society was held,
and was a great success. Tea was served in the Co-operative
Hall, and afterwards a meeting and concert was held in the
Temperance Hall, at which about 1,200 were present. Mr.
Hargreaves (President of the Society) occupied the chair,
and was supported on the platform by Mr. Ashwortti
(Radcliffe) and Mr. Foster (Radcliffe), who delivered
addresses, Mr. Hackney (Secretary), and the members of
the General and Educational Committees.
The depositors in the Small Savings Bank increased
' from 2,396 to 3,108, and the amount deposited from ;f 1,244
to ^^1,589. The reserve fund then amounted to £2,356.
The advances on mortgages of cottage property amounted
to ^^5,319 for the year, and the repayments to £3,708. The
Clothing Department the previous year did a business of
£33,452, an increase of nearly £8,000 over the business of
the preceding year. The increase of the sales over the pre-
vious year was £40,000. Ten years ago the total sales
amounted to £44,359 only, so that during the past year
the increase alone was nearly equal to the whole trade of
1871. In 1871 the working expenses were at the rate of
IS. 6d. in the £ ; in the year 1881 the rate had decreased
to IS. ofd. in the £. In 1871 the dividend was is. 6d. ; in
1881 it was 2s. 6d.
Prior to 1882 no checks were given on sugar sold by
the Society to its members, therefore at the Monthly Meeting
held on Monday, September 4th, 1882, notice was given by
Mr. Joseph Rigby that at the next Quarterly Meeting he
would move a resolution that checks be given on all articles
130 History of the Great and Little Bolton
sold in our shops of the value of id. and upwards. This
having carried at the next meeting, the matter, which
had been in the nature of a gall to many of the members
because they could not have checks on everything, was
finally settled, and sugar came under the same category
then as other articles.
Co-operative Society Limited. 131
CHAPTER XIX.
1883-1884.
Thwaites Street and George Street Extensions — Alteration of
Check System — Annual Party, 1883 — Hihhert Street
Butchers' Extension — Bradshaw Reading-room Opened —
Electric Lighting Introduced — All Saints' Street Slaughter-
house Premises Bought — Shoemakers' Strike — Bakery
Extension — Employes' Treat — Trade of the Society in
1884 — Educational Delegates to Congress Appointed —
Attack on Education Grant Defeated.
CHE business development of the Society made great
strides at this period, and a striking-out in many
new directions was made. The first was the taking
of a plot of land at the corner of John Street and Thwaites
Street for the erection of a Branch Store in that district.
The land being acquired on suitable terms, the present fine
Store was erected thereon. This was a pleasing development
to make, and at once showed that the status of the Society
was a sound one, but it was not the only one, for a plot of
land was also taken in George Street, Great Bolton, near
St. Bartholomew's Church, for the erection of a Branch
Store. The taking of this land is recorded as foUows :
That the Secretary do affix the seal of the Society to an agreement
nade between Mr. Samuel Crowther, on behalf of the Earl of Brad-
.'ord, on the one part, and this Society on the other part, being an
igreement for the lease of a plot of land situate in George Street,
Bolton.
The Thwaites Street agreement was fi.xed up at the
Committee Meeting, Monday, June nth, 1883 :—
That the draft agreement submitted, made between the Cor-
poration for the one part and this Society on the other part, relating
to the purchase of a plot of land in Thwaites Street by the Society,
be approved.
132 History of the Great and Little Bolton
The system of check taking then in vogue having come
up for consideration, the following resolution was passed in
connection therewith at the Committee Meeting, Friday,
February i6th, 1883 : —
That the consideration of an improved check system be referred
back to the Finance Sub-Committee, with power for them to take
whatever steps are necessary to get all the information possible on
the question.
After full consideration of this question in all its bearings
a decision was made to change the system, and at the
Committee Meeting, Monday, July gth, 1883, the following
resolution was adopted : —
That the minutes dated July 6th of the Finance Sub-Committee
be adopted. Minutes referred to : — " That we have printed 1,000
check books with yellow checks and 150 red checks, each check to
have printed on it the monogram of the Society."
On Saturday, February 17th, 1883, the twenty-third
Anniversary of our Society was celebrated by a Tea Party
and Entertainment. Tea was served from four to seven
o'clock in the Co-operative Hall to large numbers of people,
and the entertainment was held in the Temperance Hall,
in which there must have been close on to 3,000 persons.
Mr. Thomas Hargreaves (President of the Society)
occupied the chair, and was very numerously supported on
the platform.
After a short address by the Chairman, Mr. Hackney
(Secretary) read the annual report, which stated that the
reserve fund had increased by ;f3,200 during the year, and
the buildings and fixtures had been depreciated ;£2,i6i,
and at the same time kept in an efficient state of repair at a
cost of £440. The report went on to express satisfaction
at the position the Society had attained, both in the town
of Bolton and in the Co-operative world. They were the
largest grocery and provision dealers, the largest butchers,
the largest drapers, the largest boot and shoe dealers, and
did the largest building society business in the town ; and
in the Co-operative world they had risen during the past
few years from holding the fifth or sixth position as a
distributive Co-operative Society to the third position, and
they had every prospect of obtaining the second position
Co-operative Society Limited. 133
before long. The report concluded by giving the weights
sold each week of a few of the articles dealt in by the Society.
They sold every week 37 tons of flour, 15 tons of bread, 23
tons of potatoes, 10 tons of sugar, 8 tons of butter, 5 tons of
soap, i| tons of bacon and ham, ij tons of cheese, J ton of
tea, \ ton of coffee, nearly ^ ton of salmon in tins, J ton of
fruit, such as currants, &c. ; 6 pigs, 14 beasts, and 24 sheep.
An extension of the Butchering Department in the form
of a Branch shop in the neighbourhood of Hibbert Street
being mooted, the following resolution was passed at the
Committee Meeting, Monday, March 19th, 1883 : —
That the Secretary be empowered to purchase the house and
shop and dwelling-houses, Nos. .: and 4, Hibbert Street, at a price
not exceeding £290.
The members at Bradshaw being desirous of having a
Reading-room provided in their district, commenced an
agitation with that object in view. They approached the
Committee, and eventually at the Committee Meeting held
on Monday, June 4th, 1883, the following decision was
made : —
That the question of providing a room at Bradshaw for a
Reading-room be referred to the Building Sub-Committee.
■ This, of course, led to inquiries being made, and as the
Bradshaw Store was the property of Mr. Hardcastle, and not
available for the purpose, an adjoining cottage was fixed
upon as suitable, and negotiations entered into, with the
result recorded in connection with the Committee Meeting
of Monday, September 24th, 1883 :—
That we accept the offer of Mr. Hardcastle in regard to the terms
on which he will enlarge the Bradshaw Stores by adding to it the
house adjoining.
Electric lighting having come up for consideration with
a view to its adoption, at the Committee Meeting held on
Monday, July i6th, 1883, the following resolution was psissed
in connection therewith :—
That we write the Edison Electric Light Company, Mr. Johnston,
and Mr. Banks for amended tenders for the lighting of the business
portions of the new premises. Bridge Street.
134 (^yeat and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
Further provision of slaughter-house accommodation
being needed, a decision was also arrived at : —
That we purchase the dwelUng-house, slaughter-houses, stables,
and warehouses situated in All Saints' Street, for /780.
This purchase was finally fixed up at the Committee
Meeting, Monday, July 23rd, 1883, by the instructions then
given :^
That the Secretary do affix the seal of the Society to a deed of
assignment made between the executors of the late Wilham Marshall
and mortgagees of the one part, and this Society on the other part,
being an assignment of a plot of land and a dwelKng-house, slaughter-
houses, stables, and warehouses erected thereon in All Saints' Street,
Bolton.
A strike of shoemakers occurring in the town at this
period, we as employers of labour were naturally affected,
the dispute being dealt with as recorded below : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, July 30th, 1883. — That, in reply
to the letter dated to-day from the Trades Council with reference
to the strike of operative shoemakers, the Secretary intimate that
the deputation from the Trades Council which waited on iis on
Monday evening, the 23rd inst., explained that the intention of the
deputation was in the first place to wait on the employers individually
and then to endeavour to have a meeting of the Masters' Association
called and discuss the matters in dispute with that Association, and
that we are waiting the carrying out of the intention stated.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, August i6th, 1883.— That, in
regard to the dispute with the journeymen boot and shoemakers,
we offer to meet the demands of the men to the extent of granting
the advance asked for on new work, but in the present state of the
shoe trade we cannot see our way to give an advance on repairs.
The next department to receive attention was the
Bakery, the accommodation up to then provided having
become totally inadequate to meet the requirements of a
largely-increased trade. The first step made was to seek
power from the members to acquire a site which might be
considered suitable. This was granted at the Quarterly
Meeting of members held on Monday, October ist, 1883,
in the following resolution : —
That the Committee have power to take land and erect a new
bakehouse suitable for the requirements of the Society's business.
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 137
A treat to the employes having also been decided upon,
power was obtained for this at the same time, the matter
being dealt with in the subjoined resolutions : —
That the Committee have power to provide a tea and entertain-
ment for the whole of the employes of the Society, also to entertain
the Conference proposed to be held at Bolton.
Committee Meeting, Monday, October 8th, 1883. — That the date
of the treat to the employes be fixed for October 24th.
A continuance of the preparations made for the proposed
new Bakehouse resulted in a crop of resolutions being
passed, the main ones being indicated below : —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, October nth, 1883. — That we
agree to purchase the plot of land situate in Kay Street and All
Saints' Street, containing 3,858 square yards, at 12s. 6d. per yard,
the original ground rent of ;£3i. 12s. 2d. to be deducted at twenty
years' purchase.
Committee Meeting, Monday, October 15th, 1883. — That the
bakehouse in question, situate in Defence Street, be rented by us
for temporary accommodation at 7s. per week.
Committee Meeting, Monday, October 22nd, 1883. — That the
Secretary do affix the seal of the Society to an assignment made
between Joseph Cole, of the one part, and this Society on the other
part, being an assignment of a plot of land situate in Kay Street and
All Saints' Street, Bolton.
The Kay Street site being thus finally adopted, many
inquiries and investigations were made. Plans were
matured, and ovens and machinery of the latest type secured
and erected therein. The building was erected for the
purpose at a cost of over £8,000, and it is in every way
adapted to suit a growing trade, and will no doubt meet our
requirements for a large number of years to come.
The trade of the Society continued to make rapid
strides, one Branch after another requiring to be altered or
enlarged, and in the March quarter, 1884, Nos. 17 and 18
— -Rose Hill and Thwaites Street — Branches were opened.
About this time the Committee were jubilant at the con-
tinued success of the Society, and used to say if we could
only reach £100,000 per quarter we should have got as far
as we could reasonably expect.
The practice of sending delegates to Congress from the
Educational Committee first started in 1884, and is
138 History of the Great and Little Bolton
recorded in the following resolution, which was passed at
the Quarterly Meeting of members held on Monday, April
7th, 1884 :—
That the Educational Committee be empowered to delegate one
or two of their number to attend the Congress.
The Corporation of Bolton having raised certain
objections to the slaughter-house, at the Committee Meeting
held on June 30th, 1884, the matter was threshed out, with
the result that a resolution was adopted as follows : —
That the President, Secretary, and the Architect be appointed
to confer with our solicitors with regard to our position in relation
to the slaughter-house question ; that the Architect submit to the
Corporation new plans for the re-erection of the warehouse at the
slaughter-house.
The Education grant was next attacked, and at the
Committee Meeting on Monday, September 8th, 1,884, the
following resolution was recorded : —
That, in compliance with a requisition signed by fifty members of
the Society, a Special General Meeting of the members be called, to
be held in the Co-operative Hall, Bridge Street, Bolton, on Tuesday,
September 23rd, at 7-30 p.m., for the purpose of considering and
dealing with a motion to be submitted to the meeting, that the
amount devoted to educational purposes be reduced from 2 J per
cent to I J per cent of the net profits.
This Special Meeting was held and resulted in a loss to
its promoters, the educational grant being left unaltered at
2,\ per cent.
Co-operative Society Lifnited. 139
CHAPTER XX.
1885-1886.
Interest Reduced — Bakers' Hours — Charge on Mortgage Deeds
Dropped — Building Interest Reduced — Geese and Turkeys
for Christmas — 2$th Anniversary Party — Progress Re-
port— Conference — Verification of Members Abolished —
Technical School Considered — Milk Trade Commenced —
Secretary's Report for 1886.
MUCH thought and many anxious discussions were
given to the question of the capital invested in the
Society in the early part of this year. In the
March quarter of 1885 the share capital had reached the
large figure of ;fi73,953, and the Committee of that time
experienced the greatest difficulty in employing this in a
satisfactory manner in order to meet the high rate of
interest then ruling.
The rate of interest allowed on capital invested in most
concerns having become lower than what had been
previously considered a fair standard, and money being
much cheaper, it became necessary to consider how best to
deal with the large accumulating capital of this Society,
especially seeing that the rate of interest granted for its use
was considerably higher than what was the usual standard
then ruling elsewhere. The Committee devoted a night to
the discussion of the question, and on March 12th, 1885, they
arrived at the following decision : " That we recommend
that the rate of interest allowed on share capital be reduced
from 5 per cent per annum to 4^ per cent per annum, or 2jd.
in the ■£ per quarter." This recommendation of the Finance
Committee was finally adopted by the members at the
meeting.
To secure the carrying of their motion the Committee
argued that the high rate of interest then being allowed.
140 History of the Great and, Little Bolton
and the exceptionally good security offered, was causing
money to flow to the Society at such a rapid rate that it was
becoming absolutely a burden. When the reduction in
the interest allowed on share capital became an accom-
plished fact it did not, as was expected, cause any falling-off
in the accumulation of the members' claims, for we find that
twelve months later the share capital had increased a
further £4,482, thus showing the unbounded confidence
then placed in the Society.
Very little of interest is recorded in the minutes for
1885, the chief being in connection with the removal of the
bakers to their new premises from the cellars in Bow Street,
bringing about a change in the conditions formerly worked
under. This is recorded in the report of an interview they
had with the Grocery Committee at this time, as follows : —
The journeyman bakers had an interview with the GDmmittee,
and asked for an understanding as to the principle upon which they
would be paid in future. They were informed that the weekly wages
agreed to be paid them would be for a week of sixty hours, including
meal hours, and that any time made in excess of sixty hours per
week would be paid for as overtime at the ordinary rate of wages.
They were also informed that in future they would be required to
commence work at 3-30 a.m. every morning except Saturday, for
which day they would have to commence at Friday midnight as
usual. They stated that they could not alter their time of starting
work without the consent of their local Club. They promised to
bring the matter before their Club, and report the result in a week.
Following this matter up, a deputation from the Bakers' Association
attended and had an interview with the Committee in regard to the
earlier starting of our bakers. After some conversation the deputa-
tion, on behalf of the Association, agreed to the men commencing
work at 3-30 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays,
and twelve midnight Fridays for Saturdays.
The date of this agreement is March 12th, 1885.
On May 14th, 1885, an important resolution was adopted
relating to mortgages : " That no charge be made in future
for the preparation of mortgage deeds prepared by us."
Also at the Committee Meeting, Monday, October 12th,
1885 :-
That minute No. i, dated October ist, of the Finance Sub-Com-
mittee be adopted. Minute referred to : " That we recommend that
Co-operative Society Limited. 141
the rate of interest charged on cottage building accounts be reduced
from 5 per cent per annum to 4J per cent per annum."
Committee Meeting, Monday, November i6th, 1885. — That the
minute dated November 12th of the Grocery Sub-Committee be
adopted. Minute referred to : " That we sell geese and turkeys at
Christmas."
Our 25TH Anniversary.
The 25th Anniversary of the Great and Little Bolton
Co-operative Society was celebrated on Saturday, February
23rd, 1885, by a Tea Party and Entertainment. The tea
was served at the Co-operative Hall, Bridge Street, over
1,000 sitting down to the repast. The subsequent enter-
tainment was held at the Temperance Hall, which was
crammed in every part. Mr. W. Entwistle (President of the
Society) presided, and was supported by the Committee
and Oficers of the Society, and by over 100 delegates from
towns in Lancashire and Yorkshire.
After the Chairman's opening address the Secretary
(Mr. A. Hackney) read his annual report, from which we
take the following : —
During the year 1884 a new Store at Rosehill and another at
Thwaites Street have been opened, and are going on satisfactorily.
Derby Street Store has also been enlarged — a great convenience to
members in that locality. In addition, the erection of the new
bakery in Kay Street has been nearly completed. The bakery has
been fitted up with the latest baking appliances, including steam
ovens, and as much machinery as can be adopted. The facilities
offered by the Educational Department have been increased during
the year by the additions of newsrooms at Rosehill and Thwaites
Street and the enlargement of the Derby Street newsroom. There
are now, in addition to the Central Newsrooms, fourteen branch
reading-rooms. The course of lectures on Co-operative subjects now
being dehvered by Mr. M. E. Sadler will, it is expected, prove of
great benefit to the Society. The Lending Library contains 3,200
volumes and is well appreciated and used by the members.
While conducting the present business of the Society so success-
fully provision for the future has not been neglected, £^,221 being
added to the Reserve Fund, making that fund 1^4,300, and ;f 2,331
being applied in reduction of building and fixed stock accounts,
although the buildings and fixed stock have had expended on them
for repairs £SoS during the year.
142 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Turning to a new department, I may state that through the
agency of the Society 303 persons were conveyed to London, 724
to the Isle of Man, 251 to Windermere, 254 to Liverpool, 701 to
Blackpool, and 608 to Southport, a total of 2,841 last Whitsuntide ;
while on the first Saturday in August 344 persons were conveyed to
Llandudno, 535 to Liverpool, 623 to Blackpool, and 719 to South-
port, a total of 2,331. The Educational Department has had devoted
to it during the year ;£i,o2i. The various reading-rooms and the
library are well kept up, the lectures and entertainments have been
well attended, and the classes continue to be successful.
Last year this Society contributed to the borough rates, ^334 ;
to the poor rates, £8^ ; paid for water, £yi ; and paid for gas, £'i<n.
The Society paid as income tax for income from property, ^63 ; and,
I presume, those members of the Society who are liable to income
tax on income from professions and investments have also paid that,
including their profits for the Society. These figures, surely, are
enough to prove that this Society already directly bears a consider-
able portion of the community by enabling so many of its members
to become property owners on their own account. The very fact of
;^i,2oo per week being expended by the members of the Society for
clothing and furniture indicates the high degree of comfort attained
by them — much of it, we can fairly claim, through the agency of the
Society. It is interesting to note that a surprising change of opinion
has followed these results. At one time members of the Society
incurred thereby a certain amount of reproach and odium. Now to
be a member of the Bolton Co-operative Society is looked upon as a
sign of respectability, and I always think that a Co-operative
almanac hung up in a house is a sign that the tenant of that house
is a thrifty, ready-money person.
There are several features in the Secretary's Report for
the year 1885 which are interesting. No reports of this
kind are available before this dale, neither is the series
complete, as prior to this period all reports gleaned have
had to be obtained by researches among the Co-operative
papers and magazines. This report was given at the
twenty-sixth Annual Meeting, Tea Party, and Entertainment
on Saturday, February 20th, 1886. The chair was taken by
Mr. William Entwistle (President of the Society) , and the
speaker was Mr. Thomas Wilberforce (President, , Leeds
Co-operative Society). The report is as follows : —
Although I am unable to record such striking progress as we
have had for many previous years, I am glad to be able to say that
the Society has more than held the position it had previously
Co-operative Society Limited. 143
acquired, and that position, under the great depression in trade we
are suffering, and the low prices of alL goods, is a fairly satisfactory
one to hold.
The figures of the year are given in the balance sheet
section, but the Secretary's report has an interesting note
on depreciation therein.
To give you an illustration of the power of depreciation, I may
mention that our new bakery has cost for buildings and fittings
during the year £6,124. Since we commenced the erection of the
bakery we have written off for depreciation on the whole of our
buildings and fixed stock a total sum of £6,308, although the con-
dition and value of the buildings and fixed stock have been kept up
at a cost of £2,338, paid out of revenue. Had we been satisfied
with thus keeping up the condition and value of our plant, and
applied the whole of the depreciation of £6,308 to our bakery, we
could have completed it without adding one penny of the cost to
the assets of the Society. Although we have not ■ adopted this
course, the practical result is the same, and our buildings and fixed
stock stand at so much less than their cost and their present value ;
indeed, during the last seven years we have written off no less than
£16,829 for depreciation.
An interesting summary of the work of the Society is also
given : —
We have now 34 retail shops, also warehouses, slaughter-houses,
stables, and a bakery, and directly employ 280 people. Of the latter
15 are employed in connection with the office, 140 in the retail
shops and warehouses, and 13 as carters. The remaining 112 are
employed in production, 10 being bakers, 14 butchers, 38 shoemakers
and cloggers, 25 tailors, and 25 dressmakers and milliners. You
will see that a very considerable portion of our staff is employed in
Co-operative production, and I may add that the whole of the work
is done on our own premises.
These particulars show that the extent of the Society's
operations then was larger than most people imagine untU
it is brought home to them in some way.
The new Bakery was then in full work, and had been so
nearly the whole of the year, and was giving entire satis-
faction. The bread produced was the best bread in the
town, and the fact that the sales went up weekly was a
proof that this opinion was general. The weekly production
at that time was 25,000 2lb. loaves and 4,000 cakes. The
144 Gr^^i (^nd Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
only new shop opened during the year was a butcher's shop
at Brownlow Fold, though others were arranged for.
A goodly number of the ground rents on our various
premises were purchased outright during the year.
Prior to this time it was necessary that members
attending the business meetings of the Society should be
verified by some person in attendance for that purpose. On
February nth, 1886, the system was abolished. The
resolution respecting this matter reads as follows : —
That the present system of verifying members attending
meetings be dispensed with, and that they be admitted on showing
their books or the voucher for the same.
That the books or vouchers be marked to indicate that they have
been used for admission to the meeting, and that persons desiring
to vote and leave before the meeting closes be allowed to do so.
At a Special General 'Meeting, Monday, January 25th,
1886, the resolution in favour of establishing a Technical
School for Bolton was put to the meeting, but was lost by a
large majority.
The next important development was the start made in
the milk trade. The resolutions relating to this matter are
all collected together under their respective dates.
Committee Meeting, Monday, March ist, 1886. — That the minutes
dated February 25th of the Grocery Sub-Committee be adopted.
Minutes referred to : " That we recommend the General Committee
to recommence the milk business."
Committee Meeting, Monday, March 24th, 1886. — That the
Manager visit the Manchester and Salford and Pendleton Societies
to see if they would be willing to lend us a man to take charge of our
dairy for a few weeks ; that our milk float be lined and lettered in
gold ; that John Holt be appointed to take charge of the Dairy
Department.
The Secretary's report for the year 1886 was given at
the Annual Tea Party and Entertainment held on Saturday,
February 19th, 1887. The chair was taken by Mr. John
Carr (President of the Society), and the speaker was Mr.
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 147
William Maxwell (President, Scottish Co-operative Whole-
sale Society). The report reads :—
I am glad to be able to report substantial progress in every
direction during the year just elapsed, as the figures show. To
educational work £i,-2o$ was devoted during the year, this depart-
ment being conducted with the usual vigour. A new feature in
connection with this department is a Women's Guild for the spread
of Co-operation, and the Guild has proved a most unqualified success.
A few general statistics are given to show what the Society has
done since its commencement. During its twenty-seven years'
existence it has done a trade of over ^^3,000,000. The profits divided
as interest and dividend amount to nearly half a million pounds
(;^429,g92), being about two and a half times the Society's capital
;^i78,ooo). During the last four years alone the profits made and
divided were more than equal to the share capital. During its
existence the Society has devoted to educational work nearly
;^io,ooo. That in itself is a grand feature, and something to be
proud of and boast of in the Jubilee Year of Her Majesty.
148 History of the Great and Little Bolton
CHAPTER XXI.
1887-1888.
Bridge Street Mill Site and Premises Bought — Warehouse
Projected — Developments for Year 1887 — Strike Appeal —
Distress Fund Helped — Secretary's Report — Advantages
Offered by the Society — Jubilee Treat — Farm Required —
Appointment of Messrs. Bradshaw and Gass as Archi-
tects to the Society — Telephonic Communication Instituted
— Shop Inspector Appointed.
CHE Jubilee Year of Her Majesty Queen Victoria was
productive of many developments in various ways.
In the March quarter of 1887 an extensive purchase
of land and premises known as the Bridge Street Mill was
made, with the object of enlarging the Central premises.
The land contains 2,067 square yards, and has a frontage
to Bridge Street of 90 feet. The buildings placed on this
land cost about £19,000, and consisted of Shoe, Furniture,
and Confectionery Departments, an extensive four-storey
warehouse, large workrooms for tailoresses for making up
Ready-made Clothing, and boiler-house, engine and dynamo
rooms. There were also two shops on the front occupied
by tenants. This purchase was dealt with as recorded at
the Committee Meeting, Monday, November 28th, 1887 : —
That the old mill portion of the new premises be converted into
warehouse premises for the Grocery and Provision Departments ;
that the present roadway be carried over the river through the new
premises and the warehouse beyond into the present roadway
leading into Bridge Street, and be made double width through the
proposed new warehouse.
The year 1887 will long be remembered in Bolton as the
year of the great strike in the iron trade. Dependent as
this Society is to a very considerable extent — indeed, almost
wholly — on the working class, that its trade should suffer
Co-operative Society Limited. 149
through the strike could only be expected, and a glance at
the figures recorded for the work of the year shows this
well. How the Society helped at this time the following
resolutions show : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, June 27th, 1887.— That, with
reference to the appeal received from the Bolton Strike Committee
(engineering trade) for aid in their present struggle, they be
informed that it would not be legal for the funds of the Society to
be expended for such purpose, but that if, unfortunately, it should
be necessary so to protract the strike as to cause distress amongst
the families affected by it, we will willingly recommend the members
of the Society to grant a sum or sums of money to be expended in
the relief of such distress.
Quarterly Meeting, Monday, July 4th, 1887. — That the Committee
be empowered to take from the reserve fund the sum of /300 for
relieving distress caused by the dispute now pending in connection
with the Bolton iron strikes.
That the distribution of the ;^3oo be left in the hands of the
General Committee of the Society and the Strike Committee.
To show the necessity for the extensions undertaken
during the early part of the year, I may state that when the
accommodation then in use for the Clothing Departments
was made in 1881 we were doing a yearly business in those
departments of £33,453. During the year 1887 the business
had increased to £69,629. The removal of the Furniture
and Boot and Shoe Departments from the premises up to
then occupied by them enabled an extension to be made
in the Drapery Department.
The Secretary's report for the year 1887 contains an
interesting statement of the advantages which the Society
was then in a position to offer to the inhabitants of Bolton
and neighbourhood. It would be a pity to lose this, so here
it is : — ■
We begin with children, and through the Savings Bank we try
to instil into them while young the habit of saving. When they are
old enough to leave school we have evening classes, by which they
can continue their education, the fees for the classes being merely
nominal. When eighteen years old they can become full members
of the Society, and enjoy in their own right all the advantages of the
reading-rooms and libraries.
Members of the Society, provided they are purchasing members,
save money by the mere act of purchasing, for their dividend is
accumulating from the beginning to the end of each quarter. If
150 History of the Great and Little Bolton
after the quarter end the dividend is allowed to remain with the
Society, every pound of it begins to bear interest. Purchasers to
the amount of ;fio per quarter can, by this means, save ^5. los. per
year in dividend, and in fourteen years in dividend and interest can
save ;£ioo. Provided the same interest can be obtained for amounts
exceeding ;^ioo as is paid by the Society, a second ;£ioo can be saved
in eight more years, a third /loo in six more years, a fourth ^100 in
five more years, a fifth ;£ioo in four more years, and so on. Our
share capital of ;^i 88,000 has been almost entirely built up by
accumulations of interest and dividend, and the members have not
only built up this sum out of their profits, but have, in addition,
withdrawn profits amounting to ;£292,ooo.
We find that many of the members, when they have saved a
moderate sum, have a desire to own a house to live in, and that
others, having as much invested in the Society as the rules permit
them to have, want a further safe investment for their money.
Both these classes of members have their wishes gratified by the
Society making them advances on mortgages of the property they
desire to have on terms the most favourable it is possible to obtain.
You will see that there is nothing to prevent a person when young
commencing to save through the agency of the Society, by allowing
profits to accumulate quarter by quarter, purchasing his own house,
investing in the purchase of other property, and ultimately acquiring
sufficient to keep him comfortably in his old age without work.
This is no idle picture, but a sober reality. It has been done,
is being done, and is what the Society is aiming to do in the future ;
and, bear in mind, it can be accomplished without the member con-
tributing directly one single pound. Surely doing all we can to make
provision for bad times and old age is far better than trjring how
many chimney ornaments we can get, as some people do. We want
the members to remain true to their own Society, neither being
tempted to go to this place or that place, and they will find in the
3nd that their path of duty is their path of true interest.
We as a Society did our share in various ways in
connection with the local Jubilee celebrations for the
commemoration of Queen Victoria's reign, as the following
minute shows : —
Committee Meeting, Tuesday, June 21st, 1887. — That the
minute dated June i6th of the Grocery Sub-Committee be adopted.
Minute referred to : " That in aid of the Jubilee Treat to school
children and aged persons we undertake to do all the roasting of the
meat and baking of bread and tea cakes, also to supply the 34lbs.
raisin bread required to complete the quantity, and provide twelve
dozen quarts of milk."
A Farm being needed chiefly in connection with tne
Butchering Department for live cattle for grazing purposes,
Co-operative Society Limited. 151
the subjoined resolutions were passed in connection
therewith : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, August ist, 1887. — That we have
a special meeting on Thursday evening next to take into considera-
tion the desirability of having a farm of our own for dairy purposes.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, September 22nd, 1887.— That
we recommend the Quarterly Meeting to grant power to rent a dairy
farm in the neighbourhood of Bolton when a suitable opportunity
presents itself.
Quarterly Meeting, Monday, October 3rd, 1887. — That power
be granted to the Committee of Management to rent a dairy farm in
the neighbourhood of Bolton when a, suitable opportunity presents
itself.
Tonga Head Farm, Castle Hill, was eventually acquired
on lease.
Very little matter is available for the year 1888, and in
spite of diligent search in all likely places little can be
gleaned. This is surprising, considering the times. Letters
of condolence frequently appear in the minutes, and the
first item met with for this year is one of these, as recorded
below : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, January 23rd, 1888. — That a letter
of condolence be forwarded to the widow and family of Mr. Haselden
(our late Architect) .
That Messrs. Bradshaw and Gass be engaged to complete our
plans for the new building, Bridge Street, and to superintend the
erection of the buildings.
Mr. Haselden was the Architect who was in the first
instance appointed to draw up the plans for the buildings
which were then projected as extensions to the Central
premises, on the site of the old mill. The untimely death of
the Architect upset these arrangements, and Messrs.
Bradshaw and Gass were called in to complete the work.
From this opening dates the connection of this firm with
the many successful extensions and improvements which
have been effected in our Central premises, and also in many
of the Branch Stores which have been erected under their
supervision.
The next matter relates to the provision of telephones : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, March 5th, 1888. — That the
Secretary obtain information as to the cost of connecting our Central
premises with the Telephonic Exchange Company.
152
History of the Great and Little Bolton
Committee Meeting, Monday, August 20th, 1888. — That the
report of the Special Committee appointed to consider tlie advisa-
bility of appointing a Shop Inspector be accepted, and that a Shop
Inspector be appointed.
That a notice be printed and placed in our shops to the effect
that the Committee are prepared to receive applications for Shop
Inspector, applications to be sent in before Thursday, October 1st,
1888.
After consideration of the applications received, Mr. John
Carr was appointed as Shop Inspector, a position he still
retains.
Co-operative Society Limited. 153
CHAPTER XXII.
1889-1890.
Historical Chronicle of Work Accomplished from Start —
Annual Party — Insurance Fund Started — Sugar Bounties
Bill Opposed — Co-operative Union Joined — Banking
Account Opened with the Wholesale — Year's Growth of
Insurance Fund — Secretary's Report for i88g — The
Lending Library — First Monthly Meeting, 1890 — Alma-
nacs Reduced in Price — Address Presented to Mr. Gerrey —
Secretary and Cashier Appointed — Death of Mr. Gerrey —
Vote of Condolence to Family — Confectionery Depart-
ment Started — Annual Party — Quarterly Meeting — Coal
Bagging Started — Technical School Scheme Considered —
Drapery Department Alterations — Cottage Building
Department — Surplus Capital — Almanac Development.
ON November 4th, 1859, what has since developed into
the Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society
Limited was established in Derby Street, and was
duly registered under the Act then in force relating to such
Societies.
Such was the commencement of an institution the
progress of which has far exceeded the expectations of its
promoters, and has undoubtedly proved to be, for the
working class, the most beneficial institution in the town.
At the end of the first year the Committee had to report
that the progress of the Society was without parallel, the
subscribed capital having reached £2,620, and the business
for the year £11,156. Before that time it had been found
necessary to open a Branch establishment in Manor Street
for the convenience of the members in Little Bolton ; this
Branch soon outstripped the original Derby Street Stores in
154 History of the Great and Little Bolton
business. The next four years did not show any progress
on the part of the Society, owing to the Cotton Famine;
the fact of such a Society living through such hard times
proving it to possess a considerable amount of vitality.
In 1865, however, considerable progress was made in all
directions, and it was found necessary to open a Branch
Store in Newport Street. In the same year the erection of
the Central Stores in Bridge Street was commenced, the
buildings being open for business in May, 1866. The erection
of these premises, which many persons at the time predicted
would ruin the Society, proved to be one of the turning
points in the history of the Society, for in the year in which
they were opened the capital increased from ;f6,503 to
£11,986, and the business done from £18,341 to £31,534.
In 1868 the Cottage Building Department was commenced,
and has since been conducted with great success.
The end of the tenth year found the Society with a capital
of £25,224, eight shops doing a yearly business of £37,810,
dividing profits amounting to £3,278 a year, and devoting
£55 a year to educational purposes. From this period the
Society has experienced continued prosperity and progress
in every direction.
In 1876 the Central premises were enlarged to nearly
double their former extent, portions of the additions being
a Reading-room (now used as an Assembly-room), Board-
room, and three Classrooms. In 1881 a further extension
of the Central premises was found necessary, and the
handsome block of buildings at the corner of Bridge Street
and Bark Street was erected to meet that necessity. On
February 19th, 1881, the Society celebrated the attainment
of its majority. At that time it had 8,547 members,
£113,575 share capital, and was doing a yearly business of
£179,366 in twenty-four shops, and dividing profits
amounting to £29,935 a year.
In 1884 the bread making business of the Society had
reached such a magnitude that the then existing bake-
houses were totally inadequate to cope with it, and
Co-operative Society Limited. 155
necessitated the erection of the Bakery in Kay Street. In
1885 the business carried on in the Central premises had
increased to such an extent that the Committee asked for
and obtained authority from the members to purchase
premises for further extension. A suitable opportunity for
the exercise of those powers did not present itself until the
beginning of 1887, when the premises known as Fogg's Mill,
adjoining the Central Stores, Bridge Street, were purchased.
The original block was in Bow Street and Bridge Street.
The new premises were entirely in Bridge Street, having a
frontage of 34 yards. These latter consisted of three shops,
devoted to Furnishing, Boot and Shoe, and Confectionery
Departments, with Tea and Coffee Rooms. In the rear of
the shops, and skirting one side of the river, was a four-
storey warehouse, 94 feet long and 33 feet wide.
The Annual Gathering of the members of the Society
took place on February 23rd, 1889, and was, as usual, a
great success. Tea was first partaken of by some 1,500
persons in the Bridge Street Lecture Hall, and afterwards a
meeting was held in the Temperance Hall, which was
crowded to excess long before the time for the commence-
ment, hundreds being unable to obtain admission. Mr. John
Thoraasson presided, and Mr. J. T. W. Mitchell (Rochdale)
delivered an address.
Beyond the ordinary business details very few minutes of
historical importance are recorded for the year 1889. The
chief ones are given below : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, March i8th, 1889. — That we
recommend the Quarterly Meeting to sanction the transfer of ;^2oo
from the reserve fund to the insurance fund.
Thus started the Insurance Fund in a simple way, which
has now in the year of Jubilee of the Society grown to a very
substantial sum indeed.
Quarterly Meeting, Monday, May 6th, i88g. — That this meeting,
representing ii,433 members of the Society residing in Bolton and
district heads of families, and of all political opinion, hereby con-
demns the Sugar Bounties Bill as mischievous in principle, and the
action proposed by it as detrimental to the interests of the working
156 History of the Great and Little Bolton
class of this country. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the
members for the borough and the members for the Westhoughton
Division, with a request that they will do their utmost to obtain the
withdrawal of the Bill.
Committee Meeting, Monday, May 13th, i88g. — That the minutes
dated May gth of the Finance Sub-Committee be adopted. Minutes
referred to : "That we give notice to the Wholesale Society that in '
future we shall ourselves undertake the insurance of our goods in
transit. That the same rates of insurance as at present paid on
goods in transit be charged by us on those goods, and be placed to
the credit of the insurance fund. That the insurance fund be
credited with interest at the rate of 4J per cent per annum. That
our plate glass windows be insured in our own insurance fund at a
premium of £^ per quarter."
Committee Meeting, Monday, September gth, 1889. — That the
Secretary sign an application that this Society may be admitted a
member of the Co-operative Union Limited.
Thus started a connection which has been kept up to
the present time.
In a simple fashion our banking business with the
Wholesale was started. It is recorded as follows : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, December i6th, 1889. — That we
open a banking account with the Co-operative Wholesale Society,
and place /io,ooo to the credit of that account.
The Secretary's report for the year 1889 does not contain
very much that is interesting for historical purposes.
The Society has now completed its thirtieth year, and its vigour
is so great that last year more progress was made all round than has
been made in any previous year. We have during the year entered
into the occupation of our new premises. Bridge Street, and have
completed the alterations required at our drapery premises. AH
the departments for which additional accommodation has been
provided have already increased their trade, and promise well for
the future. We have completed the lighting by electricity of the
business portions of our two central blocks of buildings. The effect
of the light is very good, and the benefit from it is very marked.
The accommodation in our Central premises is now very great,
and the stocks kept are large and choice. The members certainly
cannot do better than make use of the opportunities offered them at
their own shops for making a good selection of articles at reasonable
prices.
Co-operative Society Limited. 157
The Lending Library.
This being so extensively patronised by the members,
the room at the top of the stairs was found too small for the
purpose, and the Educational Committee, after mature
deliberation, had the Library removed into a much larger
room. That this was a step in the right direction was
proved by the large increase of borrowers, and in the year
i88g we issued more books in one night that' was issued
from any public library in the town ; but this result is owing
to the action of the Committee in keeping the Library well
supplied with the newest books in all departments.
First Monthly Meeting, 1890.
This meeting was held on the Monday evening, January
6th, 1890. From the minutes of the Committee of Manage-
ment we learn that Mr. Henry Gerrey had tendered his
resignation as Manager and Buyer for the Grocery Depart-
ment. Another minute stated that steps were being
taken to enlarge the premises of the Tailoring Department
in order to meet the demand for ready-made clothing.
A long discussion took place on the question of the appoint-
ment of a new Manager, which, however, led to no practical
result.
Mr. S. Taylor moved that an illuminated address of
sympathy be drawn up and forwarded to Mr. Gerrey on his
resignation through sickness from the post of Manager.
Mr. J. TunstaU seconded the resolution, which, having
been supported by Mr. Rigby and Mr. Entwistle, was
carried.
The financial statement was next taken, which showed
an increase of business for the quarter. On the nomination
of Mr. Thomasson for the office of President a difference of
opinion arose as to whether he could accept the of&ce for
more than six months, as in that time he would have been a
member of the Committee three years. It was held on one
hand that, having served two years and a half, he could not
accept the nomination for more than six months. To settle
the question Mr. Thomasson announced that a case should
158 History of the Great and Little Bolton
be submitted to E. V. Neale, Esq., barrister-at-law, for
his opinion, and whatever his decision was he would abide
by it.
The year 1890 was started with a reduction in the price
of the almanacs then issued by the Committee of Manage-
ment, from 3d. each to a uniform price of 2d. each.
At the Quarterly Meeting, Monday, January i6th, 1890,
the following resolution was adopted : —
That an address be presented to Mr. Gerrey expressing the regret
of this meeting at the cause which has necessitated his resignation
as Manager of the Society, and our sense of the long and faithful
services he has rendered to the Society, and that the address be
illuminated.
This brought about the appointment of Mr. Alfred
Hackney as Manager of the Society, and caused some
rearrangements in the office staff, as recorded in the minute
of the Committee Meeting, Wednesday, February 5th,
1890 : —
That Mr. Charles Ditchfield be appointed Secretary and Cashier
to the Society.
That the Manager and Secretary draw up particulars of the office
rearrangements rendered necessary by the foregoing resolution and
submit the same to the Committee.
Shortly after this Mr. Gerrey died, and the following
vote of condolence was forwarded to his family : —
Committee Meeting, Friday, February 28th, 1890. — That this
Committee render their heartfelt sympathy to the family of the late
Mr. Henry Gerrey in the sad and painful affliction through which they
are now passing. They also wish to record their sense of his unvary-
ing faithfulness to duty, and of the integrity and honesty of purpose
which characterised him during the many years he has been Manager
of this Society. They further trust that all needful support may be
afforded them to bear their severe loss.
A Confectionery Department being considered necessary
at this time, the following resolution was passed relating
thereto : —
Committee Meeting, April 3rd, 1890. — That we advertise for a
person to take charge of the Confectionery Department, and that
the advertisements be inserted in the Manchester Guardian and the
three local papers.
Co-operative Society Limited. 159
The Annual Meeting of the Great and Little Bolton
Co-operative Society was held in the Temperance Hall on
Saturday evening, February 15th, 1893, under the chairman-
ship of Mr. John Thomasson (President of the Society),
he being supported, amongst others, by the Bishop of
Manchester (Dr. Moorhouse). The Hall was filled in every
part.
In the afternoon tea was partaken of in the Co-operative
Hall by nearly 3,000 persons.
The Bishop of Manchester (Dr. Moorhouse) said he had
great pleasure in congratulating them on the continued
success of the operations of the Society. He would like to
direct his remarks to one branch of those operations, viz.,
that organised to enable all members to become possessors
of their own houses. If he were a working man he would
make it his first care to be the owner of his own home, and
when he once got a house he would take very good care that
no one took it from him, even if he had to suffer want in order
to keep it. If he must starve, he would like to starve in his
own house. He would take good care no landlord turned
him out into the street and sold his furniture for rent. A
person who had got his own house was not likely to get into
such straits as he had referred to, but if he did he would be
more able to fight for bread than the man who had to pay
rent. He, therefore, earnestly exhorted every member of
the Society to take advantage of the offers of help the Society
had made to them, and to become the owners of their own
houses, and then they would be less anxious, and more
independent for the rest of their days.
At the 122nd Quarterly Meeting, which was held on
Monday evening, August 4th, 1890, in the Large Hall, Bridge
Street there was a good attendance of members, the chair
being occupied by the President (Mr. Thomasson).
A recommendation of the Directors : " That all the
employes receiving two days' paid holidays during the
summer should have four days in future," was considered
i6o History of the Great and Little Bolton
and discussed at considerable length, the proposal being
ultimately adopted. The employes on weekly wage would
then have eleven days' holidays during the year, in addition
to closing at half-past twelve on Wednesdays.
The development of the trade locally of coal sold in
hundredweight bags brought about the following resolu-
tion : —
Committee Meeting, September 8th, 1892. — That we start the
coal-bagging business, and the Manager make the necessary prepara-
tions for same.
At the Quarterly Meeting held on March 5th, 1890, the
report was submitted stating the increase in both trade and
membership.
The question of the Society's support of the Technical
School scheme was considered, and on the motion of Mr.
Thomasson it was resolved that a donation of £100 already
promised be applied to the alteration and equipment of the
proposed buildings. On the proposal of Mr. E. Tyldesley,
seconded by Mr. S. Taylor (Chairman, Trades Council), it
was also agreed unanimously : —
That in consequence of the altered conditions in connection with
the proposed Technical School, whereby the proposed grant of £25
per quarter from the educational fund will not now be required, the
resolution passed on May 6th, i88g, be rescinded, and that the
Educational Committee be empowered to subscribe the sum of ;^40o
to the equipment fund, the same to be borrowed from the Society
and repaid from the educational fund.
The members further resolved at their meeting in May,
1890, to contribute £500 towards the alteration and equip-
ment of the Bolton Mechanics' Institution as a Technical
School, a fund of £6,000 for which purpose was then being
raised. The Corporation took over the School, and
have since maintained it. Here is another example
of local Co-operative sympathy for the cause of
education.
The report of the work of the year, which was compiled
by the Secretary, contains such an amount of valuable
Co-operative Society Limited. i6i
matter that we are constrained to reproduce it here,
viz. : —
SURPLUS CAPITAL.
Co-operative Societies generally have been conducted on such
safe lines, and have taken such ca;re to make secure the capital
entrusted to them, that there are few institutions in the country in
which more confidence is reposed by the working classes, and in
which they are so eager to deposit their savings. Added to this
confidence there is a good rate of interest paid, and exceptional
facilities open for the saving, deposit, and withdrawal of money.
Under these circumstances it is not surprising that so much money
comes to be invested in such Societies as to render it in many cases
a positive burden, the money accumulating,, faster than suitable out-
lets can be found for it. Various methods have been tried to lessen
this difficulty. The limit of share capital generally adopted at the
outset was ;^ioo per member. Other Societies adopted differential
rates of interest, chiefly on the purchase basis, making it a condition
that to obtain the maximum rate of interest a certain amount of
purchases per quarter must be made. , Other Societies, again, tried
the plan of reinvesting the capital, especially in the direction of
making advances on mortgage of cottage property. All these
schemes relieved the difficulty for a time. The plan of reinvesting
gave the longest relief. The Bolton Society adopted the last-
named plan, and has succeeded so far in keeping the capital entrusted
to it reasonably well employed. With good trade, good wages, and
low prices of provisions, however, the margin between income and
expenditure would materially increase, much of the money thereby
saved finding its way in our case to the Society, at a constantly
increasing rate, and faster than suitable opportunities for reinvest-
ment present themselves.
In addition to the capital we have reinvested in mortgages,
other Co-operative Societies, railways, manufacturing concerns, &c.,
from all of which interest is actually received, a very large amount is
invested in trade buildings, plant, and saleable stock, the returns
from which do not appear on the face of the accounts, but are none
the less real. If the Society had not capital to invest in trade
buildings and plant it would either have to pay interest on money
borrowed from outside sources or pay its equivalent — rents ; and
if it had not capital to enable it to pay ready money for purchases
of saleable stock, but had to buy largely on credit, it could not obtain
the discounts it is now able to obtain. On the whole, the worth of
its capital is to the Society far more than is paid for it.
ALMANAC DEVELOPMENT.
The Educational Committee took a new departure in reference to
the sheet almanac. Instead of the shee,t with the shops printed on,
each member was presented with a beautiful chromo almanac of 30
inches long by 20 inches wide, fitted with sticks and tape for hanging
l62
History of the Great and Little Bolton
up. The design of the picture A\as a beautiful rural scene in Devon-
shire, entitled " Changing Pastures," and represented a farmer driving
his cattle through the farm fold from one field to another. The
perspective of the picture was ver5' good, and the various colours of
the trees and farm buildings all tended to make up a very interesting
picture. The almanac also contained the usual information as to
the events of the Society, the check days, stocktaking days, &c., all
being printed in the calendar in a different colour of ink. The
painter was Mr. Rowden, and the almanac was printed by the Co-
operative Printing Society. All members on taking in their share
books received a coupon with the usual voucher (or receipt for their
share book) , and this had to be given up at one of the Grocery Stores
in exchange for an almanac, and members were requested to assist
the shopmen by applying for the same on the least busy days in each
week.
<^r>:^/^^
Co-operative Society Limited. 163
CHAPTER XXIII.
1891-1892.
Alterations to Premises — Notice of Motion to Wholesale on
Duality of Office — Past History of Our Society —
Cigars to be Sold in Confectionery Department — Lark
Street Temperance Hall Bought — Helping to Relieve
Distress — Trip Committee's Trials — District Reading-
room Scheme — Employes' Treat — Connection with In-
surance Society — Progress and Work — 2>2nd Anniver-
sary— Development of Boot and Shoe Department —
Appointment of Manager — Drapery Site Bought — Eskrick
Street Branch — Appointment of Assistant Secretary.
DURING the year several alterations took place. Astley
Bridge Grocery Store was considerably improved,
and the alterations in our General Offices when
completed greatly facilitated the progress of business
therein. Steps were also taken to buUd a Branch Store near
All Souls' Church to meet the growing wants of that
populous neighbourhood. These things show us that the
Committee of Management were fully alive to the needs
and requirements of our Society, and fully deserved the
sympathy and help of all our members. If this help is
given and our members wiU only do what they can to help
on the cause of Co-operation, our progress in the future will
be greater than in the past.
It was also pleasing to notice that in this year the trade
of Bolton and district was good, and it was expected by all
that the shop receipts for the year 1891 would reach half a
million of money.
The question of duality of office in connection with the
Wholesale Society having come locally well to the front,
164 History of the Great and. Little Bolton
at the Committee Meeting, Monday, December 29th,
1890, the following decision was made : —
That we give notice of motion at the next Quarterly Meeting of
the Wholesale Society of the following : — " That in view of the
enormous growth of the business of the Wholesale, rapidly increasing
demands upon the time and ability of the management, and with
the object of strengthening the movement by receiving the services
of more men of tried ability, it is desirable to so alter the rules as
to provide that no member of the Board of the Co-operative Union
Limited or Director of the Newspaper or Printing Societies be
eligible to sit on the Committee of the Co-operative Wholesale
Society."
This was followed up by other resolutions as recorded
below : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, January 26th, 1891. — That we ask
Mr. Peans, of the Southern Section of the Co-operative Union
Limited and the Newcastle Co-operative Society, to introduce our
motion opposing duality of office at the Co-operative Wholesale
Society's meetings in London and Newcastle respectively.
Committee Meeting, Monday, March i6th, 1891. — That we again
give notice of motion re duality of office at the next Quarterly
Meeting of the Wholesale Society, and that we include in our motion
members of the Co-operative Insurance Board, in addition to the
members of the Boards named in our previous motion, who shall not
be eligible to sit on the Board of the Co-operative Wholesale Society.
The past history of Co-operation speaks sufficiently for
itself. We are living in the present, and the present is
perhaps more important to us, but what is more important
still is the future of our movement. What will the future of
our movement be ? The future of our movement will be
just what we make it.
Two or three resolutions were recorded on the minutes
for t'his year as given below : —
That we sell cigars in our Confectionery Department.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, April 2nd, 1 89 1 . — That we purchase
ihe Lark Street Temperance Hall from Mr. J. P. Thomasson at the
price named.
This purchase was a fortunate one, as it permitted
necessary stable accommodation to be made without
hindrance.
Committee Meeting, Monday, January 19th, 1891. — That the use
of the bakery ovens be granted for the cooking of free dinners for
outside workers during the severe weather.
Co-operative Society Limited 165
That we get in any ham shanks and bones that may be lying at
any of our Stores and send them, along with a sack of meal, to the
officials at the Town Hall for free dinners.
The Trip Committee had greater difficulties than usual
to face in 1891 in carrying out the Whitsuntide excursions,
as, owing to this popular holiday coming on so early in the
year, and the weather being so unsettled, many intending
excursionists were deterred from taking advantage of these
trips. The difficulties in carrying out our trips to a success-
ful issue had been augmented by the action of the railway
companies, who had restricted promoters by reducing the
number of trains by which holders of extension tickets
could return, and also by the great opposition which was
offered both by the railway companies and by other
excursion promoters. It was a matter of great anxiety to
those who arranged these trips, and they were oiily acting as
business men in asking all the members to help them by
purchasing their tickets at their own shops. In making
the arrangements for the Whitsuntide trips it was necessary
to guarantee to the railway companies that tickets should
be sold to the value of ;^i,ooo, so that members will see that
the profit on excursions was not obtained without risk. As
outside competition was on the increase, it could only be met
by the members of the Society doing what they can to help
by buying their tickets at the Stores.
A scheme of District Reading-rooms was considered at
the Joint Committee Meeting of the General Committee
and the Educational Committee, Wednesday, June 3rd,
1891, and a resolution approved as follows : —
That we are in favour of the scheme proposed by the Educational
Committee for the purpose of establishing District Co-operative
Reading-rooms in the borough.
That Mr. Lander, Mr. Hilton, Mr. Worsley, Mr. Brown, and three
members of the Educational Committee form a Joint Committee for
selecting a site for a Central Reading-room.
A treat was given to the employes during 1891, as
recorded in the minutes of the period:—^
Committee Meeting, Monday, June 15th, 1891.— That we apply
for a special train for our employes' treat to Morecambe on Wednes-
day July 8th, via Hellifield, to start from Bolton at eight a.m., and
to return from Morecambe at eight p.m., calling at the Oaks Station
going and returning.
i66 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Committee Meeting, Monday, October igth, 1891. — That the
Secretary do affix the seal of the Society to an assignment of a plot
of land and shop and dwelling-house and dwelling-house thereon,
situate Nos. 107 and 109, Turton Road, Turton. Mr. William
Pilling and Mrs. C. Brooks and their Mortgagees to this Society.
This was bought for Branch extension in this neighbour-
hood.
Insurance Society.
The members of the Bolton Co-operative Society have
been members of the Co-operative Insurance Society from
the commencement. Up to this time they had received
from this Insurance Society 6 per cent interest upon their
money since 1867, and they had received ^^532. 2s. 2d. for
interest on capital. In addition, they are agents for this
Society. Every cottage upon which money is lent they
insure with it. The many buildings of the Society are
insured with the Society, the amounts the Bolton Society
have received for commission as agents rising from
£3. I2S. 8d. in the year 1880 to £28. 7s. id. in iSgo.
Our thirty-second Anniversary was a success. No better
object lesson could be given to the town of the social side
of our movement. The speeches of the President (Mr.
Hilton) and Mr. Harwood had many good points, but it is
no disparagement of their eloquence or arguments to say
that the annual report was the absorbing feature of interest.
We were on the flood tide. An increase of 1,537 members
in the year was most encouraging. They were not paper
members, but bona fide Co-operators, for the sales increased
by the enormous amount of £67,481, bringing us within
touching point of half a million turnover, which meant
that, on an average, each member had spent about ^£30
with the Society, and received in interest or in dividends
£4. 14s. each. This had been done whilst the Directors
had been wisely consolidating the work by building up the
reserve fund, and setting aside handsome sums for deprecia-
tion. A striking illustration of the social revolution we were
accomplishing was the Cottage Building Department.
No less than ;£ii7,ooo had been lent on cottage property.
Some ;f4i,ooo of this sum was borrowed during 1892, but a
little more than half of that sum had been repaid. Such
Co-operative Society Limited. 167
figures testified that our members were rapidly becoming
possessors of their own dweUings. This, coupled with the
increase of deposits in the savings bank, spoke volumes
for the growth of habits of thrift.
The coming generation of Co-operators will enter into a
splendid heritage. It is for the present members to see that
they are set a good example, and educated to use it well.
Our annual gathering ought to stimulate every member to
do their utmost to support a movement which is conferring
such pecuniary and educational benefits on the community.
Development of the Boot and Shoe Department.
When^ the Committee of Management decided upon
commencing business in the boot and shoe trade they
appointed Mr. John Balshaw to work the same.
On November 5th, i860, Mr. Balshaw opened this depart-
ment at the Manor Street Store. The business done in the
first quarter amounted to £72. 19s., and for the first year to
£309. 17s. For five and a half years Mr. Balshaw was the
only person engaged in this department, until March, 1866,
when the business had increased £220 per quarter, a second
man was appointed in the person of Mr. William Jones.
The business continued to grow, and when the Central
premises were built in Bridge Street the Boot and Shoe
Department found suitable premises in the shop now
occupied by the Confectionery Department, and the
receipts increased in two years from £647 to ;£2,3ii. Under
the management of Mr. Balshaw the business grew until
this shop became too small, and so in 1882 another removal
took place, this time to a shop in the Bark Street premises,
the business having grown from £2,300 to £6,600 per year.
The new and large shops then placed at his disposal gave
Mr. Balshaw greater facilities for developing a trade which,
being utilised, doubled the business again in five years.
The last removal, from the Bark Street premises to the
Central, was not altogether to meet the requirements of the
shoe trade, but has in no way retarded its progress, for the
receipts for i8gi amounted to £17,684, which was the largest
sum ever taken in one year. During the thirty-one years
i68 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
Mr. Balshaw had charge of the Boot and Shoe Department
the total business done at the Central premises amounted
to £203,744. In addition to this sum there have been
Branch shops formed at various parts of the town, viz.,
Hibbert Street, Venture Street, Daubhill, and Astley Bridge.
During the long period Mr. Balshaw had charge of this
department satisfactory relationships always existed
between him and the employes, and his genial manner
gained for him respect from the members generally. In
February, 1892, in consequence of failing health, he tendered
his resignation to the Committee of Management, when the
following resolution was unanimously agreed to : —
That the resignation of Mr. John Balshaw, Manager of the Boot
and Shoe Department, be accepted, and the Committee desire to
place on record their high appreciation of the long and valuable
services rendered by him to this Society, and further express their
regret at the cause which has led him to tender his resignation, viz.,
failing health, but hope this may be restored to him, and that he
may enjoy its blessings for many years to come.
Another Manager being required, the following resolu-
tions record his appointment : —
Committee Meeting, Wednesday, February 24th, 1892. — That
we advertise for a Manager for our Boot and Shoe Department in
the local papers and the Co-operative News, applications to be made
by letter not later than Tuesday, March 8th, stating age, qualities,
and salary expected, and to be endorsed " Application for Manager."
Committee Meeting, Thursday, March 17th, 1892. — That Mr.
Frederick Hampson be appointed Manager of our Boot and Shoe
Department.
Here we have recorded very simply the purchase of the
site on which our present magnificent Drapery establishment
now stands, and which is such a credit to the Society : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, January 25th, 1892. — That the
seal of the Society be fixed to an assignment of a plot of land, dwell-
ing-house, surgery, stable, coach-house, and other buildings thereon
erected and situate at the junction of St. George's Road and Bridge
Street, Bolton.
Further resolutions relating to the same site are : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, September 5th, 1892. — That the
Secretary do affix the seal of the Society to an assignment of the
premises situate and being No. 6, St. George's Road, Bolton.
KKI^ 1'^ s 1 Kl ? T ST()RF fGn^cn Boot ind Shoe, and Butcheung Departmerus).
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 171
Special Meeting, Wednesday, September 7th, 1892. — That we
offer the Corporation the plot of land at the corner of St. George's
Road and Bridge Street, to contain twenty-two square yards, for the
sum of ;£3oo, the Corporation to do all the necessary flagging to
complete the same.
Committee Meeting, Monday, September 26th, 1892. — That we
accept the amended proposal of the Bolton Corporation re our offer
of the plot of land containing twenty-five square yards at the junction
of St. George's Road and Bridge Street for the sum of ^£300. That
the Corporation will make the footpath 9 feet 3 inches wide, and allow
9 feet from the kerbstone to the tram rails, they to do all the necessary
flagging connected with the same.
Committee Meeting, Monday, October 24th, 1892. — That we
recommend the Quarterly Meeting to give power to the Committee
of Management to erect central premises at the junction of Bridge
Street and St. George's Road.
Committee Meeting, Monday, February 6th, 1893. — That the
Secretary do affix the seal of the Society to an agreement dated
December 31st, 1892, made between this Society on the one part, and
the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough of Bolton on
the other part, and being the agreement for the sale of a plot of land
at the junction of Bridge Street and St. George's Road, Bolton.
EsKRicK Street Branch.
Our No. 28 Branch on the corner of Eskrick Street and
Glen Bott Street, Brownlow Fold, of which the illustration
is a sketch, is doing a satisfactory business. The building
is of a massive style, containing as much of the ornamental
as is admissible in structures erected purely for Store pur-
poses, and covers an area, including yard accommodation,
of some 250 square yards. The main entrance in Eskrick
Street opens on a large and well-filled general Store 27 feet
wide by 38 feet long, with white glazed brick walls and
ceiling of pitch pine ; a staircase rises from a commodious
and well-lighted cellar through this floor to the Storerooms
above.
Immediately on the corner of the above-named streets
is the entrance to a Butchers' Store, 17 feet by 15 feet, with
floor of polished flags and walls of glazed bricks. A few
steps down Glen Bott Street is the entrance to a Cloggers'
Store of an irregular shape, but averaging gfeet 6 inches by
22 feet, and to the workshops above this and Butchers'
Store. The entire building is well heated, lighted, and
172 History of the Great and Little Bolton
ventilated, and planned and carried out to meet the
requirements and ensure the comfort of both customers and
employes.
The contract for building was let to Mr. Richard Mosley,
under the supervision of Mr. T. E. Smith (Architect).
Appointment of Assistant Secretary.
During the time Mr. Ditchfield was acting as Secretary
and Cashier it was found necessary to relieve him of some
portion of his duties. Therefore it was decided that an
Assistant Secretary should be appointed, and on June 23rd,
1892, the following appointment was made : " That Mr.
Walter Pomfret, in addition to the charge of the Cottage
Building and Small Savings Department, under the direction
of the Secretary, be appointed Assistant Secretary to the
Society." This was the first appointment of this kind, and
the office ceased to exist on the appointment of Mr. Joseph
Pomfret to the Secretaryship.
Another extension provision is recorded below : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, July 4th, 1892. — That we recom
mend the plot of land in Deane Road to be secured.
C^^
Co-operative Society Limited. 173
CHAPTER XXIV.
1893.
The Colliers' Strike — Coal Bagging Started at Bradshaw —
Purchase of Tonge Moor Reading-room — Conference of
Committee and Employes Arranged — Tonge Fold Butcher's
Shop Purchased — Purchase of Land in Lark Street —
Checks First Given on Milk — Strip of Land Sold to
Corporation — Tenders of Thanks — Relief of Distress —
Withdrawing Textbook in Schools — Annual Party — •
Secretary' s Report — Mr. Lander Pleads for Loyalty —
Our Productive Work.
EVERYBODY was feeling the pinch of the coal struggle.
The poorest, of course, were experiencing its effects
most. Millions of money were being lost, homes
brought to destitution, women and children were starving,
and working people paying famine prices for coal — and aU
for what ? Because people are not yet wise enough to
throw over the competitive system for the better plan of
Co-operation. So long as it is the object of each party to
get individually aU they can, irrespective of consequences
to the other, there will be this suicidal strife. Happily,
there are signs of wiser times prevailing. Combinations
among employers and employed are teaching the law of
mutual dependence. The spirit of self-sacrifice is being
developed, among trade unions especially. Even non-
unionists, through this struggle, stood manfully side
by side with unionists. AU felt they were being dealt
with unjustly, that unwarranted demands were being made
by their employers. With this view the great majority
of the public agreed, and liberally contributed to relief
funds, so that the men might resist what they termed the
" starvation policy " of colliery owners. This, however.
174 History of the Great and Little Bolton
we will affirm : that if the spirit of Co-operation, which
should animate all engaged in the coal industry as well as
other trades, had prevailed, such a conflict, with its terrible
consequences, could not have occurred. Capital cannot
dispense with labour ; but its possessors live whilst labour
succumbs to its impositions for want of bread. We are yet
far from the goal of Co-operative production, but if working
people studied their own interests they would make more
use of the weapon of Co-operation in a competitive struggle.
Only capital can fight capital effectively. Co-operative
trading will find capital for working people on a far greater
scale than at present if it is loyally supported. There is a
much better prospect of bargaining with a coUiery pro-
prietor if each collier in his employ has a tidy sum to his
credit in the Co-operative Society. The coal war, as it has
been accurately described, wiU not have been in vain if it has
taught men to husband their resources, and if their accumu-
lation of capital leads them to ponder whether it is not
worth a great effort to become their own employers ; or,
failing that, to secure through their joint capital a large
controlling power in the conduct of the industry by which
they earn their daily livelihood.
. The following are the principal resolutions for the year
1893 :-
Committee Meeting, June 22nd, 1893. — Resolved, — That we com-
mence the coal-bagging trade in the Bradshaw district.
Committee Meeting, Monday, June 26th, 1893. — That the
dwelling-house, No. 89, Tonga Moor Road, be purchased for the
sum- of £2^0, and that the Educational Committee be charged a
rental of 5s. on the purchase money in addition to what will be
required for rates, taxes, and repairs. [This was for a Reading-
room.]
Monthly Meeting, Monday, July 3rd, 1893. — That we make
arrangements to hold a conference of the Committee and employes
of this Society for the purpose of discussing Mr. Maxwell's Congress
paper respecting " The Relation of the Co-operative Movement to
its Employes," to be held at as early a date as convenient.
Committee Meeting, Monday, July loth, 1893. — That we purchase
the shop adjoining our Tonge Fold Store from Mr. Thomas Royle, to
be used for a butcher's shop, for the sum of ;£3i3, subject to the con-
ditions named.
Co-operative Society Limited. 175
Committee Meeting, Monday, August 14th, 1893. — That we
purchase from the executors of the late Mr. Thomas Moscrop a plot
of land and five dwelling-houseg thereon situate in Back Lark Street,
Bolton, together with a ground rent of £^. 3s. 8d., payable 1 7 this
Society to the before-named executors of the late Mr. T. Moscrop,
and arising out of land on which formerly stood the Free Christian
Church, Lark Street, Bolton, the purchase money being £$50. [This
was used for stable extensions.]
Comihitteo Meeting, Monday, August 14th, 1893. — That we
commence to give checks on milk at the beginning of the December
quarter.
Adjourned Committee Meeting, Tuesday, October 31st, 1893. —
That special attention be called to the checks now given on milk
purchases, also the new departure in the Tailoring Department,
viz.. Tailors' Ready-made Branch.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, August 24th, 1893. — That the
Hducational Department be chaiged ^15 per annum as rent for the
newsroom. No. 89, Tonge Moor Road, and to be clear at the above
rent of ground rent, water, rates, and taxes.
At the conference of the Comn:iittee and employes
held on Wednesday, September 20th, 1893, Mr. Samuel
Fairbrother read Mr. Maxwell's Congress paper, entitled,
"The Relation of Employes to the Co-operative Movement,"
and a discussion ensued thereon.
The following resolution was adopted : —
That a conference of the Committee and of the employes be held
quarterly, to consider and discuss the questions affecting themselves
and this Society, and of the Co-operative movement generally.
The meeting concluded by according votes of thanks to
Mr. Fairbrother, and to the Chairman (Mr. Lander).
Committee Meeting, Monday, October i6th, 1893. — That we sell
to the Corporation the strip of land in Back Chapel Street, required
for improvement, for the sum of £2.0, they to make good the footpath
and co-extension with the land.
Adjourned Committee Meeting, Tuesday, October 24th, 1893. —
That an Employes' Conference be held on December 6th, 1893, to
which the members of the Society be invited, and that Mr. James
Fletcher be asked to read a paper on that occasion.
Quarterly Meeting, November 6th, 1893. — That the action of
the Committee in distributing groceries and provisions to the extent
of /145 towards the relief of distress in Bolton and neighbourhood,
caused by the coal dispute, be confirmed.
176 History of the Great and Little Bolton
The Prohibited Book.
On Monday, January nth, 1893, a deputation of
shopkeepers waited upon the Educational Committee of the
Bolton School Board to ask that a reading book used in the
schools, and written by Mr. H. O. Arnold Forster, entitled
" The Laws of Everyday Life," should be withdrawn. The
request of the shopkeepers was acceded to.
Seeing that this reading book had been in use for nearly
four years, the action of the Board was rather hasty in
withdrawing it without allowing time for any other persons
interested to lay their views before the Committee. The
shopkeepers objected to the chapters on " Co-operation "
in the book. The Educational Committee decided to have
the chapters on " Co-operation " reprinted and distributed
throughout the borough, under the title of " The Prohibited
Book ; " and it was also decided to send a deputation to
the Educational Committee of the School Board, and, seeing
that the book is one which gives a large amount of useful
information on trade unionism, it was decided that the
Trades Council should be asked to take part in the deputa-
tion. The Trades Council at their meeting at once appointed
two representatives, and arrangements were made for a
conference with the School Board on the question.
This was followed by a resolution as follows : —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, December nth, 1893. — That two
members of this Committee be appointed to accompany the repre-
sentatives from the Educational Committee and the Bolton Trades
Council, to wait upon the School Board next Wednesday afternoon
re their action in withdrawing Mr. Arnold Forster's textbook from
the schools of the town.
At the Monthly Meeting on Monday, December i8th,
1893, the action of the School Board in withdrawing Arnold
Forster's textbook, " The Laws of Everyday Life," from
the schools of the town was discussed, the proposed action
of the Educational Committee being cordially approved.
A deputation from the Society and the Trades Council
waited upon the Education Committee of the School Board
on Monday, February 8th, 1894, with regard to the with-
drawal of the school book, " Laws of Everyday Life," from
the schools of the Board
Co-operative Society Limited. 177
The members of the deputation explained that they
considered the action of the Board hasty in withdrawing a
book that had been in use for nearly three years at the
request of one section of the community, and argued that,
as Co-operation and trade unionism were a part of the social
life of the people, they should be taught in the schools.
The Chairman explained that the Board had not with-
drawn the book at the request of the traders who waited
upon them, but having considered the statements made to
them, especially that the author himself intended to
withdraw the chapter objected to from the next edition of
the book, they felt that they could no longer allow it to be
used in schools ; but he also pointed out that Co-operation
was taught, and they could not well refuse to teach it, as
Co-operation was too great a factor in life to be ignored.
All they had done was to withdraw a book which the author
himself admitted required revising, and when the new
edition was ready they should be prepared to allow the
book to be used in the schools. The Chairman, in conclu-
sion, pointed out that he himself had taken an active part
in Co-operative work, and he could assure them that the
Board had no desire to act in opposition to the Co-operative
Society or the Trades Council.
A cordial vote of thanks to the Chairman and members
of the Board for their reception brought the interview to a
close.
The Annual Party.
After taking into account the fact that for almost
one-third of the year 1893 one of our greatest industries
was at a standstill, and that aU other industries were more
or less crippled thereby, it is marvellous to notice the
progress made during this period. We then had thirty
Branch Grocery, seventeen Branch Butchering, and five
Branch Shoe establishments, thus being in a position to
supply the members with aU they were likely to need, from
the smallest item in the grocery or drapery line to a house
of furniture, and also, if required, a house could be provided
to put the furniture in.
178 History of the Great and Little Bolton
On the evening of Saturday, March i8th, 1893, the
Temperance Hall was crowded in every part by an
enthusiastic audience on the occasion of the Annual Tea
Party and Entertainment. Mr. WOliam Lander (President)
presided, Mr. Thomas Tweddell, of Hartlepool (Chairman,
Newcastle Branch, Co-operative Wholesale Society), being
the speaker.
The Secretary said that during the year the Society had
opened Branch Grocery Stores at Morris Green, Gibbon
Street, and Turton Road, and had in course of erection
other Branch premises in Eskrick Street which they
intended utilising for Grocery, Butchering, and Boot and
Shoe businesses.
Mr. Lander gave an address as follows : It was not
needful to ask for increased loyalty, though he might say
it would be necessary owing to the alterations and
extensions which would have to be incurred before very long
in connection with the Society. They were to have a bigger
house for the Drapery Department. They were extending
their borders, too, in every part of the town. There was an
old saying that nothing succeeded like success, and this was
verified in connection with their Society. Let him speak
for a few moments on Co-operation in two aspects : (i) As
to its being an educational force in town and country. He
placed this in the front because it was an admitted fact
that only as they grew in knowledge could they progress
satisfactorily, on firm principles, on ground that would
serve them in the future. As to their own Society, to go no
further, it was impossible to over-estimate the value of the
educational part of their work. In a word, the Educational
Department fed the mind. Give Co-operation full play, and it
would do a stUl greater amount of good work, and that in a
quiet fashion. Looking at what the Bolton Co-operative
Society was doing, he found that it was distributing profit to
members at the rate of £80,000 per annum ; in other words,
£80,000 of the wealth produced by trading under the
auspices of their Society was returned into the pockets of
the people. He found further that, taking the Societies in
the United Kingdom for the twenty-eight years from 1862
Co-operative Society Limited. .179
to i8go, they did business to the fextent of ;f56o,ooo,ooo,
and that in doing it they returned to . their constituents a
profit meaning, in round figures, ;f50,ooo,ooo. This sum
was given back to the purchasers as their share of profit
made in trading. Was Co-operation not a force, then,
distributing wealth to the community year by year as no
other system or force was doing ? Not very long ago a
Labour Commission sat in London, and took particulars of
what Co-operation was doing, and he noticed from the
evidence that Mr. Mitchell took the Bolton Society as an
example of what Co-operation was achieving.
The Secretary, in his report for the year, said that in
regard to the business of our own Society he congratulated
the members on the marvellous results obtained during the
past twelve months. It had been the most successful year,
from a business point of view, since the Society was estab-
lished, and showed an increase in turnover of nearly ;^2i,ooo
as compared with the previous twelve months.
OUR PRODUCTIVE WORK.
That Co-operation in Bolton is a great success is admitted by all.
Year after year tells the same tale — increase of membership and a
corresponding increase of business, and, as a necessary consequence,
an increase of share capital. To find profitable employment for this
capital requires careful consideration on the part of the Committee
of Management. Large sums are invested in various companies,
but, with the exception of ;f52,4i8 with the Co-operative Wholesale
Society, our investments in Co-operative productive works are less
than ^3,500. This certainly seems a small sum for a Society whose
assets amount to £406, oy^. On the other hand, however, it should
be noted that the Society carries on productive work of its own, and
last quarter paid in wages ;£2,343 in this direction. Owing to the
goods produced being sold in the shops, the profits are not shown
separately, so that a complete statement cannot well be given. *
The largest sum paid in productive wages is for work done in the
Tailoring Department, where seventy-three hands find constant
employment in making up goods to order and for stock. It has been
the custom (and is now in many shops) to buy ready-made clothing
from large wholesale houses in Manchester and elsewhere, and often-
times no guarantee could be given as to the conditions under which
these goods were produced, either as to trade union or sanitary
conditions ; and although much has been done of late to improve
these conditions, yet the Co-operative Union has found it necessary
to advocate the passing of an Act of Parliament to abolish sweating.
i8o History of the Great and Little Bolton
An attempt was made to introduce a system whereby goods should
be produced on the premises, and thus find employment for our own
members.
Our members can, therefore, purchase made-up suits at the Stores
and know that proper wages have been paid, and that they have been
made under good sanitary conditions. As to cost, the Manager
claims to be able to produce these goods to be bought in the open
market, and hopes for the support of those members who wish to
see the time when all workmen shall receive the fair reward of their
labour. Thus the productive part of the Tailoring Department not
only finds an outlet for a part of the capital of the Society, but at
the same time meets a want in supplying clothing free from any
suspicion of the dangers of the sweater's den.
The Boot and Shoe Department employs in productive work
sixty persons, and the wages paid last quarter to these amount to over
/i,ooo. Most of these employes are engaged in repairs, but still a
fair trade is done in boots and shoes made to members' order on our
own premises.
The Drapery Department employs about seventy persons in
productive work, and in the busy season this number will be largely
increased, and even then it will be difficult to cope with the demands
of members. It would greatly facihtate business if members would
choose their material earlier, and thus help to relieve the block that
sometimes occurs. The amount paid in wages for production in
this department last quarter amounted to ;£37i.
Perhaps the best instance of Co-operative production is at the
Bakery, where no sacks of flour are weekly made up into bread,
besides a large quantity of cakes, currant bread, &c. At these works
fifteen persons are employed. After paying all expenses a profit
of /loo was made on the quarter's working. These undertakings
are the result of years of experience in producing nothing but the
best quality of bakery produce, which has met with such great
approval of our members.
Co-operative Society Limited. ^gj
CHAPTER XXV,
1894.
Productive Critics — Our Society Vindicated — Mr. Pomfret
Appointed Secretary — Formation of Grocers' Defence
Association — Land Bought — Mr. Lander Elected on
C.W.S. Board — Church Road Extension — Weapon of
Starvation — Productive Exhibition Arranged — Exhibition
Opened by Mr. Lander — Mr. S. Fairbrother on " Pro-
duction " — Mr. Lander on the Local Traders' Discovery —
Mr. J. P. Thomasson and Small Capitalists.
'HE year 1894 was ushered into active work by the
Concert which was held in the Upper Schoohoorr
of St. Thomas's, HalHwell.
Mr. James Taylor (Chairman, Educational Committee)
presided, and Mr. William Lander (President of the Society)
dealt with the critics in the course of an exhaustive address.
He spoke of the desire of the Educational Committee to
provide instruction and entertainment at that and like
gatherings. Recently, as they knew, the Society had under-
taken some work in a productive sphere, and, because he
had read a paper and indicated lines into which Co-opera-
tion might be directed, the Society and himself had been
charged with not having done right to working men. Now
let him say as regarded standard wages being paid, and the
acceptance of the lowest tender for work requiring to be
done, that it is the absolute practice of the Society at all
times to insist that standard wages and standard conditions
of labour shall be recognised in every case. They were
charged with not having paid their men the wages they
deserved, and a correspondent would have them believe
that they had not been paying to some of their workme:
iSz History of the Great and Little Bolton
more than 14s. per week, and some even as low as 5s. after
working — presumably from the letter^a fuU week. This
statement was untrue in every respect. He was sorry to
say that employes in the department referred to did not
attend regularly to their work, and the man who would not
work had not a right to be paid for that he would not do.
Now, contrary to it being a fact that the tailors in the employ
of the Bolton Co-operative Society received only 14s. per
week, he found from a return made by the person in charge
of that department that coat makers — taking into account
lost and broken time, from June to the end of August —
earned on the average over 24s. per week ; that trouser
makers earned over 17s. 6d. per week, and vest makers
more than 15s. 6d. a week. A man who worked the proper
time, taking a nine weeks' average of his earnings, making
coats, earned on the average 32s. 8d. per week ; trouser
makers got 24s. 4d. per week ; and vest makers practically
i8s. No ; the province of the Co-operative Society was to
uplift men, not to tread them down, and their practice had
been quite as good as their principle, and would stand
comparison with those of any trader or employer in the
town and country.
At the first meeting of the year held to discuss the
affairs of the Society a fairly good audience assembled in the
Co-operative HaU. The chair was taken by Mr. William
Lander (JPresident), who was supported on the platform by
the whole of the Directors of the Society.
The Chairman, in opening the meeting, referred to the
year that had just passed, and stated that it was satisfactory
to note that the business of the Society had increased
notwithstanding the loss of trade caused by the great coal
strike, and also by the dulness of trade generally. He also
referred to the fact that the Manchester Ship Canal had
been opened on January ist, 1894, and it was only fitting
that Co-operators who had subscribed so largely to the
share capital should be represented on that occasion, and
he was pleased to tell them that the " Pioneer," one of the
Wholesale's Society ships, was one of the first to pass through
the Canal. The minutes of the Committee of Management
Co-operative Society Limited. 183
were read by the Secretary, and questions were asked on
the appointment of Mr. Joseph Pomfret as Secretary of
the Society.
Mr. Thomasson and Mr. Haslam spoke in favour of
someone outside the Society being brought in, as it was
thought by them that a firm hand was required to put things
straight.
The Chairman, in reply, stated that the Committee had
gone carefully through the whole matter, and were fully
persuaded that the appointment they had made was the
best for the Society. Mr. Pomfret was 32 years of age,
and he had worked for the Society nearly twenty years,
during which time he had obtained the good opinion of the
Secretary, Managers, and Auditors. The difficulty in the
way of bringing in a stranger was that he would require to
be taught by those clerks whom he had to supervise. The
Committee were of opinion that in Mr. Pomfret they had
the making of a grand man, and who would do credit to the
Society.
Looking at this to-day in the light of after-events, we
realise how weU this prophecy has been fulfilled,.
In The Grocer of this time the following was recorded : —
A meeting of retail grocers of Bolton was held on Wednesday
evening, January loth, 1894, when it was decided to establish a
" Bolton and District Grocers and Provision Dealers' Association."
The Chairman stated that one of the objects of the Association
would be " Where possible to fight the Co-operative Stores."
Mr. John F. Steele, the principal promoter of the meeting, gave
an address, in which he said the times and conditions of trade had
changed during the last twenty-five years or more, and changed,
not to the advantage of grocers in a body, but to their disadvantage.
The old days of large profits and slow returns had passed away, and
now quite a new order of things had arisen — so much so that the
old respectable tradesman of fifty years ago, who was looked up to
as an authority on all things, and held one of the most respectable
positions in the cpmmunity, was rapidly becoming extinct, and his
place was being taken by the large capitalist with his numerous
branch shops trading on cash lines, or the Co-operative Society,
which had got such a hold among English operatives. However, it
still happened that some grocers would not march with the times
and see the new order of things, and, to his mind, it was this stubborn-
ness and refusal on the part of some of them to see the changes
184 History of the Great and Little Bolton
which were going on which allowed the Co-operative system to be
born, and the belief in certain quarters that the old order of things
would prevail again that nourished and fed these Societies.
This was a pretty candid statement for a wholesale
grocer to make.
Had the working classes got the advantages they hold from
Parliament, by union, or individual enterprise ? What did union
do for the operatives in Rochdale ? He referred now to the dawn of
the Co-operative movement there. It took away the prosperous
businesses of grocers and provision dealers, and left them mere
skeletons, in too many cases, of what they were. It was no use
denying that the Co-operative Society did the largest share of the
trade in Bolton. And on this point he would make another assertion.
Perhaps it was not exactly correct, but it would make the thing plain
to each one of them. He said, then, that the Co-operative Society
of Bolton did three-fourths of the trade of the town, whilst the other
quarter was divided among private people. But when they came
to the rates what did they find ? That the tradesmen paid three-
fourths of them, the Co-operative Society paying the other fourth.
This was manifestly unfair. He believed, and he was sure his hearers
did, that the class who did the trade ought to pay the rates, and
that the small shopkeeper ought not to be crushed under heavy rates
whilst the Society which robbed him of his birthright was wallowing
in more money than they knew what to do with.
This was a very specious argument to use, and one
likely to command great sympathy, but it entirely overlooks
the fact that it is the consumer who pays the rates in the
price he pays for the goods he purchases.
" He had no quarrel with individual Co-operators.
They exercised the freedom of choice given to every English-
man, but he did not admire that choice." Naturally.
The question then came, " In what way can grocers make their
influence felt in this matter ? " Not by any individual attempt,
however energetically carried on. Only by power of association
could they make themselves felt. They all held it a grievous shame
that Co-operative Societies should be free from income tax. But
by themselves they were helpless. What he proposed, therefore,
was this : that when election times came round — ParUamentary and
municipal — the Secretary of the Association should be empowered
to go to each candidate and ask him his views with regard to
Co-operative Societies, and vote according to the answer he gave.
We have here the same old arguments which one meets
with every day, but fortunately good sense prevails, and one
is not likely to be taken in thereby.
Co-operative Society Limited. 185
The early months of this year were largely devoted to
making provision for further extensions by the acquiring
of land, as the minutes show.
Committee Meeting, Monday, February 12th, 1894. — That the
Secretary do affix the seal of the Society to an agreement made
between the Society of the one part and the Mayor, Aldermen, and
Burgesses of the Borough of Bolton of the other part, being an agree-
ment for the sale of a plot of land in Back Chapel Street, Bolton.
[This was used for streeting purposes.]
That we accept Mr. Haslam's offer of jA. per yard for a plot of
land on Chorley Old Road for the erection of a new Grocery Branch.
[For Store extension.]
Committee Meeting, Thursday, February 15th, 1894. — That we
purchase from the Coffey trustees all that plot of land, containing
1,325 square yards, adjoining our central premises in Bow Street,
for ;£900, and subject to a chief rent of £2y. 12s. id.
Committee Meeting, Monday, February 19th, 1894. — That the
Secretary sign an agreement on behalf of the Society, being an agree-
ment made between the Coffey trustees of the first part and this
Society of the second part, for the purchase of land in Bow Street.
This purchase is the site that is now utilised for the new
Offices and Educational Department, which have been
opened during the JubUee celebrations.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, April 5th, 1894. — That the
Secretary do affix the seal of the Society to a deed of conveyance,
being a conveyance of a plot of land and premises erected thereon,
and situate in Bow Street, Bolton.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, March 8th, 1894. — That the
Secretary do affix the seal of the Society to a counterpart under-
lease, being a conveyance of a plot of land, and one shop and dwell-
ing-house thereon, situate in Bury Road, Tonge Fold. [Used for
extension at Tonge Fold.]
Committee Meeting, Thursday, May 31st, 1894. — A motion that
we most heartily congratulate our Chairman (Mr. Lander) on his
election on the Board of the Co-operative Wholesale Society, and a
wish that he may long be spared to serve in that capacity, was
unanimously carried.
To provide for an extension in Church Road, HaUiwell,
the following resolution was passed at the Committee
IMeeting, IMonday, August 27th, 1894 : —
That the seal of the Society be affixed to a counterpart lease
made between Oliver Ormrod of the first part, Knowles Edge of the
second part, and this Society of the third part, of a plot of land
situate in Church Road. HaUiwell.
1 86 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Co-operative Productive Exhibition.
Co-operative production is a subject which justly
demands the careful consideration of all who have at heart
the welfare of the industrial community. It cannot be
charged against our Society that it has not had its attention,
as the following minute shows : —
Committee Meeting, Tuesday, September 4th, 1894. — That we
arrange to hold an Exhibition of Co-operative Productions in our
Large Hall on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday, November loth,
12th, and 13th next.
We can also boast that in some directions in the produc-
tive field we have achieved considerable success. The efforts
we have so far made, however, serve to demonstrate how
great a field lies before Co-operators who have achieved
such great results in distribution. It is, however, admitted
that before further progress can be expected on a larger
scale theories must be translated into facts. To some
extent this has been done, and the more it is seen to be
possible to successfully engage in productive enterprises,
the greater prospect is there that the surplus capital within
the movement wiU. eventually be turned into this channel
more and more as time goes on.
Some of these facts were presented in a concrete form
at the Exhibition held at this time in the Bridge Street
premises. We venture to believe that those who visited
this Exhibition would be persuaded that there was a great
future for Co-operative production. Further, they could not
help but be convinced that articles of beauty and utility,
which compared favourably with any competitive product,
are being manufactured by Co-operators, who are able to
offer them at prices which also bear comparison with the
ordinary trader.
AU that the Societies need is more custom. The capital,
enterprise, and skiU wOl keep pace with the demand. It
must also be remembered that all the articles so produced
are produced on equitable principles, the worker being
fully considered, and the customers' interest conserved.
What aU are agreed was a successful and highly
encouraging Exhibition was opened on November loth.
Co-operative Society Limited. 187
1894, and the succeeding Monday and Tuesday. As the
space for exhibitors was so strictly limited, invitations
could only be given to a limited number of Societies,
but those selected were fairly represented, and the rooms
were thronged daily by visitors. There was a crowded
audience at the opening proceedings, which were presided
over by Mr. S. Fairbrother, who was supported by the
members of the Committee of Management and others.
The Chairman, who was well received, said the first
duty that fell to him was the pleasant one of heartily
welcoming the representatives of the Societies who had
responded to the invitation to exhibit their productions,
and to express the hope that the Exhibition would be of
good service to them by stimulating the people of Bolton
and the surrounding districts to purchase goods which were
made under fair and equitable conditions. He had
pleasure in calling upon the President of the Society to
open the Exhibition.
Mr. Lander said he was delighted to see such a
magnificent gathering, for it proved to him that there was
an earnest, genuine feeling in regard to Co-operative
productions. He had a distinct recollection of being
honoured three years previously with a similar duty to that
which fell to him that afternoon. They were in agreement
that Co-operative production was a good thing to engage in,
and to develop and conquer. Each wing of the movement
had been working hard, and had produced better results
now than they did three years ago. We had not reached
the end of our journey. We were marching on, encouraged
by our progress, to take possession of the promised land.
Certain members of a trade held a meeting in the town, at
which meeting an announcement was made that it had been
discovered that a great many of the tradesmen of Bolton
were members of the Co-operative Society. The association,
having found this out, called upon these tradesmen to
withdraw from the Co-operative Society, urging that if
they did not they would be going against their own interests.
To accomplish this withdrawal the association decided to
put themselves into communication with other trade
i88 History of the Great and Li .'tie Bolton
associations. Not only were tradesman members of the
Bolton Society, but a matter stUl more serious had been
found out by the Grocers' Association, and that was some
tradesmen had actually borrowed money from the Society
wherewith to purchase property. The words of the report
ran : " Many tradespeople were Co-opevators, and were in
the habit of purchasing even property and borrowing
money upon it." That was perfectly true ; there were
many respectable members of the Bolton Society who were
tradesmen in the town, and the Society was so broad in its
principles and policy that they were not excluded, even
though they were working against the institution of which
they were members. The Co-operative movement was
large enough to accommodate every class ; it would take
in the poor man and the millionaire ; the man who worked
for his living, and the tradesman. Everybody who was
disposed to join the Society and would conform to its
rules were welcomed, and were members of equal importance
and had full share of privilege in connection with the
Society.
Mr. J. P. Thomasson and Small Capitalists.
Mr. Thomasson, in proposing a vote of thanks to Mr.
Lander, expressed his pleasure at being present, and stUl
more to hear what could be done by intelligent, sober, and
industrious men when they combined together for their
mutual welfare without calling for State assistance, except
in the way they called upon it to do justice between man
and man and give them fair and free conditions for utilising
their wealth. In these days, when there was a great
tendency to ask the State to do many things which he
thought the people could do better for themselves, he was
glad to see what could be done by the combination of small
capitalists, not only in distribution, but in productive work.
In that Exhibition they saw what good work could be done,
and he hoped it would be an encouragement to combine
stiU more in the future in order to make the progress of
productive Co-operation something more like the progress
which had distinguished Co-operative distribution in the
past. It was by joining their forces together, co-operating
Co-operative Society Limited. 189
one with another, that they could obtain for small capital
the profits which they could not obtain as individuals.
By that means they could obtain not only the value of their
personal service, but also the profits of the capitalists,
and make themselves independent of large capitalists.
They had in the distributive Stores throughout the country
a vast market alre:'.dy established for them, and he could not
see any reason why their productive associations, with such
a large market before them, should not have a career of
increased prosperity, so long as they were conducted with
ability and made thoroughly sound goods, which would
always be appreciated by the distributive Societies. He,
therefore, hoped and trusted that whatever difficulties had
hindered the rapid progress of Co-operative production in
the past would gradually disappear, and that throughout
this land and other lands the combination of small
capitalists and of a great many individuals in production
would become more and more widespread, and lead to the
gradual distribution of wealth throughout the whole mass
of the community.
Coming, as this did, from a gentleman who has done so
much for his native town, and for the workers generally,
we to-day can look upon it with hallowed respect, seeing
that the speaker has now gone hence. We revere his
memory, and we realise that his labours for the good of our
town have not been in vain, but will stand as a lasting
memorial of the good deeds that one man may do for the
benefit of his fellows, and those who come after him to carry
forward the ordinary affairs of life.
€^^^
igo History of the Great and Little Bolton
CHAPTER XXVI.
1895.
Death of Mr. J. T. Fielding — Resume of Society's Position
and Sales — Hot-pot for Unemployed — Tripe Business
Started — Erection of Drapery Premises — Circulars for
Candidates — Society Registered as Milk Purveyors —
Belmont Store Started — Burnden Store Extension —
Divining Rod in Bolton — Annual Party — Business
Growth — Tripe — Secretary^ Report for Year 1895.
'HE year's business starts out with a letter of
condolence passed at the Monthly Meeting, Monday,
January 7th, 1895 : —
That a letter of condolence be sent from this meeting to the
widow and family of the late Mr. J. T. Fielding, sympathising with
them in their bereavement and affliction.
The resolution was seconded and carried unanimously.
The sales for the last quarter of the previous year
amounted to over £140,000, and were the largest the Society
had ever had in one quarter up to that time. This was very
satisfactory, considering the low price of provisions
generally. A large cheese weighing 942 lbs. was received at
the warehouse. As it was too large for a single shop, it was
cut up and sent round to the different Branches. The coaJ
trade at this time was steadily increasing. The Society had
forty railway wagons and sixteen lurries engaged, and during
the week ending December 8th, 1894, more than 15,000 cwt.
bags of coal were sold. The sale of coal for the quarter
amounted to £5,500, an increase of £1,500 over the previous
quarter. During one week the Society sold 1,200 tons of
coal. It was a matter of surprise that so many members
preferred even then to get coal from dealers, when they
Co-operative Society Limited. 191
could obtain the coal offered by the best local collieries
from their own Society, and get a dividend of 2s. gd. in the £
on their purchases.
The following are the chief resolutions for this year
that are recorded in the minutes : —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, February 8th, 1895. — That we
provide a hot-pot for 600 poor children, and another for 600 unem-
ployed men of Bolton, to be distributed in the Police Parade-room,
also one to be distributed by the Queen Street Mission.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, February 14th, 1895. — That
notices be printed and sent out to the shops that we propose to
commence the tripe business on Friday, March ist.
That we provide three hot-pots for the poor of Bolton for next
week, similar to those we have provided this week, one for adults
and one for children, to be distributed at the Town Hall and Queen
Street Mission.
That we grant 25s. worth of provisions to each of the three Relief
Committees in the Astley Bridge District, the provisions to be
obtained from our Astley Brjdge Store.
A start having been decided upon in connection with
the provision of new premises for the Drapery Department
on the site purchased, the following resolution was passed
in connection therewith : —
Committee Meeting, Tuesday, February 5th, 1895. — That we
deem it expedient to commence operations with the erection of the
new drapery premises on St. George's Road, and that arrangements
be made accordingly.
Comments were made at this time that not very long
ago it was said the Drapery establishment then in use,
and which had only been commenced a short time
previously, would be sufficiently extensive for twenty
years to come. Well, already the premises were too
small. Ladies were continually saying the Society did not
keep all the articles requisite and asked for. Nor was there
space. The consequence was that the premises, as intended,
had to be prepared for at the junction of Bridge Street and
St. George's Road. They would have been commenced
before that time, but unfortunately legal matters had
interfered with the demolition of the premises adjacent
and occupied as a Furnishing Department ; and until the
192 History of the Great and Little Bolton
time had expired when the Society could legally take
possession they were unable to do what they would. Still,
during the present year, they would see something in the
shape of a commencement of these premises.
Committee Meeting, Monday, July 22nd, 1895. — That we register
the Society as milk purveyors, as required by the Sanitary Authorities.
In response to an appeal received from the Belmont
members that a Store should be opened in their village,
meetings were held and the following resolutions passed
before the Store which is in use to-day there was opened : —
Committee Meeting, Wednesday, September i8th, 1895. — P
meeting was held in the village school, Belmont, attended by several
members of the Committee. There were about 120 inhabitants
present, ninety-eight of whom were members of the Society. Seven-
teen others promised to become members if a Branch was opened in
that district. After a long discussion the meeting requested the
Committee to apply to the next Quarterly Meeting for permission
to open a Branch Store at Belmont.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, September 19th, 1895. — That we
recommend to the next Quarterly Meeting the advisability of opening
a Branch Store at Belmont.
Monthly Meeting, Monday, October 7th, 1895. — It was moved
by Mr. Lander, and seconded by Mr. Hilton, that this meeting do
hereby place on record its regret at the death of Mr. Sydney Jackson
and Mr. Thomas Entwistle, two gentlemen who, in time past,
rendered valuable assistance to the Society as auditors, and that the
Secretary be instructed to convey to the bereaved families the
sympathy of the meeting.
Quarterly Meeting, Monday, November 4th, 1895. — A recom-
mendation by the Committee of Managen'.ont that a Branch Store
be opened at Belmont was unanimously agreed to.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, December 5th, 1895. — That the
Secretary do affix the seal of the Society to an agreement made
between Edward Deakin of the one part and this Society of the other
part, being a lease of a shop at Belmont for a term of five years.
To provide for the Burnden Store extension the following
resolution was passed at the Commitee Meeting, Monday,
November nth, 1895 : —
That the Secretary do sign on behalf of the Society an agreement
made between G. R. Carter for the Earl of Bradford of the one part
and this Society of the other part, being an agreement for a plot of
building ground situate on the east side of Manchester Road, Great
Lever.
Co-operative Society Limited. 193
The Divining Rod in Bolton.
Mr. J. Stears (Hull), a well-known user of the divining
rod, visited Bolton at this time with the object of using the
divining rod to find water for the Bolton Co-operative
Society Limited, who were adding a refrigerator to their
premises in All Saints' Street. The water finder, a gentleman
about 50 years old, apparently of a very sensitive tempera-
ment, commenced operations at once by holding in his hands
a forked hazel twig, the apex pointing to the ground. He
had only proceeded a few yards when the twig twisted
round in his hands,, although held firmly, the apex pointing
round to his body. This continued when he was over the
course of the underground stream, and he traced the width
of the stream and the course through the yard and the house
adjoining. Re-starting, he very soon discovered another
stream which was traced through the slaughter-house and.
shippon as far as the property extended. This stream
bisected the first one, although it may not be at the same
level. In his walking round he discovered several traces of
iron underground, probably old iron pipes previously used
by a brewery which existed here many years ago, and it
may turn out connected with some old well. The divining
rod not only indicates water, but metals can be found and
traced, the twig reversing its titillating, and to distinguish
what metals lie buried various metals are held in the hand
until the fork ceases to move, being as it were disconnected.
In this way gold, silver, or iron can be discovered. Mr.
Webster (Bridge Street), who engaged this gentleman,
found it a practical and never-failing method of finding
streams of underground water. Near Cadishead the same
gentleman found water, and as a result a well was sunk, and
splendid water was supplied to several adjacent farms.
Several of the gentlemen accompanying the diviner tried
the fork to find if they had the power to divine, but all
proved futile. It is said that only about one person in a
million possesses this power to use the divining rod, which
is traced in history to the Egyptians and Persians, who used
it thousands of years ago. It is to-day used by practical
engineers as a means of finding water, and with splendid
success, as instanced by Mr. Stears' record.
N
194 History of the Great and Little Bolton
The Annual Party.
The Annual Party and Entertainment on Saturday,
February loth, 1895, was in every respect successful. Some
1,300 had tea in the Large Hall, and at the subsequent
proceedings in the Temperance Hall many had to be turned
away, the audience being crowded to inconvenience.
Promptly at the time announced the President (Mr. Wm.
Lander) stepped on the platform, and was supported by
the members of the General and Educational Committees.
The President in his address vindicated the claims of
Co-operation to public regard on higher grounds than
simply that of the material prosperity it has brought to
its adherents.
Mr. Pomfret (Secretary) gave the report, as follows : —
It speaks well for Co-operation in Bolton to be able to say that,
notwithstanding the keen competition we have now to face, the
general depression in trade, and the extraordinary low prices which
have been ruling throughout the year, we are still going upwards,
giving a mass of figures to prove this. We then found employment
for 677 persons (253 of whom were engaged in productive work),
and we paid during the year £-3ij,i<ji in wages.
If the Secretary's report at this period did not represent
solid fact we might wonder if he had not given play to a
brilliant imagination. A comparison could not well be
made with the previous year, owing to the great depression
in the prices of food, a most satisfactory feature from the
consumers' point of view.
It was gratifying to see that many of our members had
learned the lesson which the capitalists set them : that
" money makes money."
As the number increases of those who reside in their own
houses, owing to the facOities offered by this Society, the
town is gaining in the stability of its population, and its
prosperity is being laid on broader foundations. Thrift is
being promoted, self-dependence encouraged, and the fear
of the workhouse banished, and all by what ? Co-operation.
Co-operation means more than " bread and cheese." It
deals with the vital sources of social well-being, and is
widening the horizon of the worker, and making his life
fuller and more enjoyable. Its educative influence is
Co-operative Society Limited. 195
incalculable, for where you get an intelligent self-governed
people you have a well-ordered State, where Liberty
breeds her virtues and sheds her blessings.
Tripe.
At a sitting of Bolton Justices, held in the Magistrates'
Room, Town Hall, on April 7th, 1895, the Great and Little
Bolton Co-operative Society Limited appeared in answer to
a charge of establishing within the district of the borough
of Bolton, without the consent of the Corporation, an
offensive trade, viz., tripe boiling, on February 27th.
Mr. A. F. Kidson (solicitor in the Town Clerk's Office)
prosecuted, Mr. Fielding being for the defence.
Mr. Kidson, in opening, said the charge was based on
section 112 of the Public Health Act, 1875, which provided
against the establishment of offensive trades within boroughs
without the consent of the authorities having been first
obtained. In that instance he would prove that on
February 27th the Inspector of Nuisances (Mr. Spencer)
visited premises belonging to the Co-operative Society in
All Saints' Street at 8 o'clock in the morning, when he
found tripe being prepared for boiling. He left the premises,
but at 12 o'clock noon and 6 o'clock in the evening revisited
the place, and on each occasion found tripe in the course of
boiling. This was against the express wish of the Corpora-
tion, hence these proceedings. Prior to calling evidence in
support of his case, Mr. Kidson casually observed that the
Co-operative Society had applied for powers for the con-
ducting of a tripe boiling business, but the Corporation had
considered it inadvisable to grant the same.
Nuisance Inspector Spencer deposed to visiting the
slaughter-houses of the Bolton Co-operative Society in AH
Saints' Street on February 27th, and to finding beUies being
dressed. He left the slaughter-house, but returned later in
the day, when he found tripe being boiled.
By Mr. Fielding : For anything he knew to the contrary,
they were beUies of cows purchased alive by the Co-operative
Society and killed on their own premises. The Society had
no occasion to boil the bellies themselves to prevent waste,
inasmuch as they could sell them.
196 History of the Great and Little Bolton
The Magistrates' Clerk : What is tripe ? Give a proper
definition of it.
Witness : It is the food that is prepared from cows'
abdomens and bellies. It was this part of the cow that was
being boiled at the time of my visit.
Mr. Fielding, in defence, contended that there was no
case to answer, inasmuch as they did not carry on the trade
of tripe boiling. They simply bought cows alive, slaughtered
them, and, to prevent waste, converted the offal into tripe.
They were merely butchers, and the boiling of bellies, he
contended, was incidental to the business of a butcher.
True, the Co-operative Society had applied for a licence for
the purposes of being able to carry out the trade of tripe
boiling ; but he would remind them that, by having such a
licence, they could buy bellies from whom they wished and
convert them into tripe. The Corporation in their wisdom —
and he never saw a more intelligent lot of men in his life —
said : " We will not allow them to carry on tripe boiling,"
and therefore the Co-operative Society were prevented from
treating with other butchers for the purchase of their bellies.
The definition of trade was buying and selling ; and only
utilising the bellies of their own cows, he submitted, did not
constitute buying. They simply boiled what was their own,
and they did not buy the bellies for the purpose of making
tripe. If a conviction took place in that case, they would
have to throw the offal away, and this would be a monstrous
and iniquitous waste.
James Cottam (foreman butcher in the employ of the
Society) was called to prove that no bellies had been bought
but whaljt were purchased with live cattle. Only the
ordinary business of a butcher was carried on in their
slaughter-houses. They simply boiled the bellies to
prevent waste.
Mr. Kidson incidentally mentioned that the Sanitary
Committee did not intend to grant any further licences for
tripe manufacture in Bolton.
Mr. Fielding : I am not surprised at that. They want
to drive trade out of the town ; in fact, were harassing it
now, to some extent.
Co-operative Society Limited. 197
The Magistrates retired for a short time, and on returning
into court said they considered that a case had been made
out, and would inflict a fine of los. and costs.
In consequence of this decision the Society had to cease
to boil tripe for its members on its own account and under
its own care and supervision, but, in order that this com-
modity might still be supplied to its members, the Committee
of Management arranged with a tripe boiler in the district
to cook their offals for them, and eventually purchased
outright a tripe boiling establishment with its licence, and
thus we have this business under our own control again in
the Tripe BoUing Works off Derby Street.
The Secretary's report for the year 1895 contains a few
interesting features ; —
There is an old saying that " nothing succeeds like success," the
truth of which is most strikingly illustrated by the present position
of our great and glorious institution. At our last gathering we were
proud of the fact that the sales for the year then under review were
the highest on record ; this year, I am pleased to inform you, there is
another increase of no less a sum than £23,628, the sales for the year
amounting to considerably over half a million of money. Our
average weekly sales at the present time are ;£ii,ooo, an exactly
similar sum to the amount of business done during the whole of the
first year of our existence, the year i860.
I would here ask you to pause for a moment to try and realise
the extent of the meaning of those figures I have just given you.
That 21,000 persons should amass such a vast amount of money
speaks volumes for the industry of the working man of to-day, and
for the mission of the Co-operative movement. You can, no doubt,
imagine that this enormous sum is becoming burdensome, and that
your Committee are being taxed to the utmost to find safe and profit-
able investments. A feeling seems to be growing that if we in the
Co-operative movement are to make any profit out of our money we
shall have to use it ourselves. This, I must impress upon you, is a
matter you have entirely in your own hands. If you will be deter-
mined to have Co-operative made goods, extensions will soon be
required in productive Societies, which, you know, means further
calls for capital, upon which a fair rate of interest would be allowed.
igS History of the Great and Little Bolton
CHAPTER XXVII.
1896.
A Bolton Grocer's Tribute to Our Educational Work — Annual
Party — Dealing with the Question of Surplus Capital-
Wholesale Society's New Departure — Agriculture Sup-
ported— A Big Undertaking — Farnworth Boundary Line
Considered — Turton Road Reading-room Provided for —
" Record " Advertisements Considered — Inaugural Tea
Meeting at Belmont — Tripe Boiling Works Taken — Con-
gratulations on Surplus Capital Arrangements — Death of
Mr. John Thomasson — Bank of Bolton — Secretary's
Report for Year — Growth of the Holiday Spirit.
AT a meeting of the Bolton Grocers' Association, held
in the early part of this year, Mr. J. F. Steele said,
after having referred to Bolton's many and varied
industries, that the grocery trade could not be considered
one of the best, and they knew why. The reason was that
they had to contend with a great monopoly, which took
most of their trade whilst escaping many responsibilities.
It seemed to him that the town was under the cloud of this
Co-operative Society, and he thought it was rather a
reflection upon the Corporation that the Co-operative Society
should have the credit for having a better library than the
town. They often heard of people joining the Co-operative
Society because of the great facilities there were for
obtaining books, and he did not see why the town should
come second to what was a trading Society. Then they
found that the Technical Instruction Committee of the
Town Council offered certain advantages to the members
of the Co-operative Society because the Society had con-
tributed a large sum of money. There seemed to be an idea
that there was a ' ' great salvation "by joining the Co-operative
Co-operative Society Limited. igg
Society, and he certainly thought they should be placed
on an equal footing with others in the trade. Fifty years
ago it was said that the grocery trade had not long to exist,
and that the retail grocer would soon be extinct.
Looked at in the light of present results this speech is
worth analysis a little. We will take the latter paragraph
first, and say at once that the Co-operative Society has in a
measure been the salvation of the grocers' trade by keeping
the prices of commodities at a fairly standard level. If
Co-operators had adopted the cutting tactics of the multiple
shops — and there is nothing to prevent them — the bottom
would certainly have been knocked out of their trade.
Instead of this all Co-operative Societies adopt the standard
of prices ruling in their respective districts, and thus give
others an equal chance with themselves. Reverse the
conditions and then we should soon have a greater outcry
than has ever arisen so far.
The statement also made by Mr. J. F. Steele with respect
to the advantages offered by the Technical Instruction
Committee was entirely erroneous. The advantage offered
consists in the fact that the Educational Department pays
one-half the fees of members of the Society — not exceeding
5s. in any one session — or their children who are attending
the Science or Technical Classes in the district. But, then,
this is merely a sample of the accuracy of the statements
usually made by opponents when speaking against Co-opera-
tion. Certain it is that Co-operation, by purifying and
elevating commerce everywhere, will make it a nobler and
worthier instrument for promoting the friendships of the
world, and thus hastening the advent of that glorious day
which, though long delayed, shall dawn at length upon this
earth, to the manifest advantage and benefit of all who
labour thereupon. Already there are signs and portents by
the courtesies exchanged with our brothers abroad. Let
these grow and foster, and they wiU redound to the credit
of all who labour for others.
On Saturday, February 15th, 1895, the thirty-sixth
Annual Tea Party and Entertainment in connection with
our Society took place, the former in the Co-operative HaU,
200 History of the Great and Little Bolton
and the latter in the Temperance Hall. Needless to remark,
the double event proved an exceptional success.
Again the President of the Society (Mr. William Lander)
was as genial, as able, and as interesting as ever.
One of the local newspapers was well within the mark
in heading its short report of our annual tea party and
entertainment as "A Big Undertaking." The Bolton
Co-operative Society is aU this and more. The word " big "
does not err on the side of exaggeration in describing the
status of our Society, even at this time. Success may be
written upon the work of the past, and the future has in
store for us a continued story of triumph. Of course, we
stUl need to exercise great and sustained care to avoid any
hidden rocks and shoals. With increased size and more
extensive dealings are likely to arise additional dangers,
and, certainly, new responsibilities. What these may be
time alone wiU show. We stiU have many level heads and
experienced hands among us, and, given no extraordinary
nor quite unanticipated ill-luck, the good ship " Co-opera-
tion " will be steered nobly and safely along, and that
notwithstanding a development such as the pioneers of the
movement in Bolton could never have imagined, and which
even we cannot accurately measure.
As was only natural, the growth of the Co-operative
movement caused the question of boundary lines between
the different Societies to come largely to the front at this
period of our existence, and we find first of cill that we come
in contact with the Famworth Society, as the minutes of
the Committee Meeting, Wednesday, March 4th, 1896,
show : —
A meeting of the Committees of the Bolton and Farnwortli
Societies was held in our Boardroom to discuss a boundary line
between the two Societies, when it was resolved that the two Com-
mittees should meet on Wednesday, April 15th, in Great Lever, to
review the district; also that a plan of the district be obtained,
showing the main thoroughfares.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, April i6th, 1896. — That the
agreement be submitted, showing the boundary line between the
Bolton and Farnworth Societies.
This established the basis for future working areas of the
two Societies.
Co-operative Society Limited. 201
An extension of Reading-room accommodation for the
members residing in the Turton Road district was made
provision for at the Committee Meeting, Monday, March
gth, 1896, by the passing of the following resolution : —
That the Turton Lane cottage be altered as suggested to meet
the requirements of the Educational Committee.
A further decision also made was : —
That the Educational Committee be invited to m§et the General
Committes to talk over the advertisements in the " Record."
Inaugural Tea Meeting at Belmont.
A Tea Party and Entertainment which wiU long be
remembered by the villagers at Belmont was held in the
Congregational School on Saturday, March 28th, 1896,
when about 180 persons sat down to an excellent tea and a
more excellent entertainment. Our old friend Teddy
Whittle was also there, and delighted the audience
immensely. He is evidently a keen observer, for he told
them that if their purchasing powers were equal to their
eating powers the Committee would never regret having
opened a Branch at Belmont.
Mr. Lander, in his usual style, delivered an address on
the value and results of united efforts, which was listened
to most attentively. A most enjoyable evening was brought
to a close by a Vote of thanks moved by Mr. S. Fairbrother,
and seconded by Mr. Swayles (the Belmont schoolmaster),
to the Chairman for presiding, and to the Committee for
having provided them with the evening's entertainment.
In spite of the set-back given to the tripe business in
the previous year the matter was not allowed to drop until
satisfactory arrangements could be made to meet the
requirements of the Corporation, the Society, and its
members. What these were at first the following resolutions
show : —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, June i8th, 1896. — That we take
on rental from Mr. Robert Hilton, as weekly tenants, the tripe-
boiling works situate at No. 4, Back Derby Street (rent los. per
week clear), and that we purchase from Mr. George Cain the
working plant in. same.
202 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, July 2nd, 1896. — That the Secre-
tary do affix the seal of the Society to an agreement made between
Robert Hilton of the one part and this Society of the other part,
being an agreement for the tenancy of the tripe factory in Back
Derby Street.
A start was made on July 6th, and the tripe and cow
heels offered for sale in our shops are unapproachable for
quality and freshness.
Congratulations were offered to the Committee of
Management and the members generally at this time for
having courageously and intelligently faced the problem
of our surplus capital by reducing the rate of interest allotted
to it.
Mr. John Thomasson (a former President of the Society)
having died, the following resolution was entered on the
books : — ■
Committee Meeting, Monday, November i6th, 1896. — That we
do place on record our regret of the sudden death of Mr. John
Thomasson, a late Chairman of this Society, and that a letter of con-
dolence be sent to the widow and family expressing our sympathy
with them in their bereavement and affliction.
That we send representatives of the Society to the funeral of Mr.
Thomasson on Thursday next.
Monthly Meeting, Monday, December 7th, 1896. — Touching
references were made to the death of the late Mr. John Thomasson,
and it was resolved that a letter be sent from this meeting to his
widow and family expressing admiration of his character, regret at
his loss, and sympathy for the bereaved. It was also resolved that
we appreciate the action of the Committee in communicating with
his family and representing the Society at his funeral, also the action
of the Educational Committee in making suitable references in the
" Record."
The Bolton Co-ojserative Society being the owner of
founders' shares in the old Bank of Bolton it was necessary
that their consent should be obtained, among others, to the
amalgamation proposals which were mooted at this time.
The matter was dealt with at the Committee .Meeting,
Monday, November 23rd, 1896, with the following result : —
That we agree to the proposal of the Bank of Bolton re amalgama-
tion with the Manchester and County Bank, and that the Secretary
attend a special meeting re same on December 2nd.
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 205
The new Drapery premises being almost completed at
this time, the following arrangement was entered into at the
Committee Meeting, Monday, December 14th, 1896 : —
That arrangements be made to formally open the new Drapery
Department on Saturday, January 30th.
As usual, the Secretary's report for the year 1896 contains
a resume of the work accomplished : —
In giving a brief outline of the work of the Society during the past
year, I ought first of all to congratulate its members on the success
that has attended their efforts. In addition to the multitudinous
benefits which members are now receiving from the Society they
must undoubtedly feel a degree of pleasure in belonging to such a
gigantic and prosperous institution.
The year has been as eventful as it has been successful — eventful
as far as regards extensions and improvements. The large block of
Central premises in Bridge Street has been fitted up with automatic
sprinklers, which, we believe, have placed that building beyond the
risk of damage by fire. A satisfactory allowance has also been made
in our insurance premiums.
A refrigerating machine and two chilling rooms have been erected
at the slaughter-house, and have already proved of immense benefit
to our Butchering Department in preserving meat during hot
weather, and by keeping it in better condition all the year round.
A new Branch Store has been erected in Manchester Road, Great
Lever. There are three separate shops in the building, in which we
have commenced Grocery, Butchering, and Boot and Shoe Depart-
ments. The neighbourhood is a growing one, and we anticipate
will soon add to the trade of the Society.
Another event of importance is a reduction in the rate of interest.
The interest allowed on members' share capital has been reduced
from 4J per cent to 3J per cent per annum, and the interest charged
on mortgage loans has been reduced from 4J per cent to 4 per cent
per annum, thus effecting a saving to the Society of about ;^7oo per
quarter.
The business of the Society continues to increase with remarkable
rapidity. It was thought that the share capital might possibly be
reduced this year, seeing that the rate of interest allowed was reduced.
On the contrary, we find an increase of ;^28,5i3, thus showing the
unbounded confidence now placed in our Society.
Some people not many years ago were of opinion that
the art of taking holiday had been lost. The fact was that
the great mass of the people had not the opportunity of
developing the faculty of enjoying themselves. Of course,
there always have been intervals when the toilers rested
from their labours, but facilities for rational enjoyment
2o6 History of the Great and Little Bolton
were lacking, and too often the holidays were seasons of
dissipation which unfitted men for toU. In sadly too many
cases this occurs now, but all who have the welfare of the
community at heart rejoice in the fact that there is an
increasing multitude who make rational use of their leisure.
With increased means, and the widened outlook which
education has given, the worker now looks for fresh fields
to rove in during his holiday jaunts. If it is good for those
" who toil not, neither do they spin," to visit beautiful
scenes, to have experience enlarged by travel, those who
labour with brain and hand rightly argue that they will
emulate the example set. The gospel of recreation has
been eagerly received, and now the beautiful spots with
which our fair island home is dotted have their visitors
from the busy hives of industry. Some, having exhausted
these, have gone further afield, and now it is no unusual
circumstance to hear a miUworker describe his visit to the
" Continong." During the lifetime of a generation a
marvellous change has taken place in the matter of holidays.
Thirty years ago only the aristocracy of the working
population dreamt of an annual holiday. Now the children
of our elementary schools look upon a visit to the seaside
for a week or a fortnight as naturally following on their
release from school duties. Railway companies and other
agencies, including our own Society, have awakened to the
possibilities which this holiday spirit presents. Every year,
therefore, a more attractive programme is presented. This
is one of those cases where the supply was creating a demand,
and our Society took its fuU share in fostering the holiday
spirit, and in providing facilities for its fulfilment at this
time. Those who have felt the health-giving breezes of the
sea, who have experienced the exhilaration of the mountain
air, who have gazed upon the wondrous beauties of wood,
dale, and dell, are stimulated to revisit these scenes of
delight, or to wander in " fresh woods and pastures new."
Co-operative Society Limited. 207
CHAPTER XXVIII.
1897.
Profits of Middleman Illustrated — Wrath of Local Traders —
Opening of Drapery Store — Its Construction and Scope —
Opening by Mr. Lander — The Mayor and Our Society —
Annual Party — Gratifying Returns — Election of Officers —
Tailoring and Hat and Cap Departments — Queen's
Diamond Jubilee Considered — Jubilee Fund — Alterations
to Central Premises — Relief of Distress — Grant to Queen
Street Mission and Other Grants — John Street Stables
Bought — Deane Road Land Taken — Jewellery Window
Altered — Resume of Progress — Secretary' s Report for
Year — Members' Banking Accounts.
CHE fifty-six gentlemen who jointly subscribed the
handsome sum of £i\ per year, and who are known
as the Bolton Grocers' Association, met again, and
gave vent to their feelings with regard to their common
enemy. Co-operation. They found that during the thirty-
seven years Co-operation had been established in Bolton
they had simply acted on the defensive, and they concluded
it was time they became " a little more aggressive." We
are afraid they made their discovery too late. Co-operation
has come to stay in Bolton. The Co-operative Society is
something more than a gigantic trading institution. It
not only seeks to supply its members with pure and whole-
some food, but it undertakes that all articles sold by it
shall be produced under proper conditions, and that the
producer shall receive a fair wage for his labour. It also
provides each member with a banking account — an accu-
mulation of the middleman's profits — which in many cases
reaches large proportions, and which in the aggregate
totals over half a million of money. During the thirty-
seven years of the Society's existence it devoted £27,000 of
its profits to the education of its members, a small portion
2o8 History of the Great and Little Bolton
of which was spent in providing entertainments in all
quarters of the town. At one of these entertainments it
was shown how the middleman grew fat out of the unwary,
and this did not suit the Grocers' Association, judging from
the remarks made at their meeting. Their Secretary
commented on the action of the Society in giving limelight
lectures and concerts, and said that " private tradespeople
were impudently and dishonestly libelled at these lectures,
and views were thrown on a screen representing the middle-
man as fat and prosperous, and the producer and consumer
as poor and lean." No suggestion was made that the cap
fitted them, but the aim of the addresses given was not to
libel any person or persons, but to show that while
individual interests often lead men to adulterate their
goods and give false weights, the Co-operative interest
does away with all false trading. While it may be
impudent for a Co-operator to speak of the tricks practised
by traders, the Secretary at the same meeting stated that
the American packers received thousands of pounds every
year for goods which they never sold. To make a statement
like this adds dignity to a grocer, but, of course, would be
impudent on the part of a Co-operator.
Are all traders honest ? For in looking over the annals
of the local association we find at one meeting someone is
selling margarine for butter ; at another their Secretary
brings before their notice the fact that traders in Bolton are
selling as picnic hams goods which are not hams at all ;
and at the very meeting at which the Co-operative addresses
were so severely condemned they were discussing the
question of short weights and how to remedy them.
As Co-operators we claimed to have solved these
questions (i) By producing, as far as possible, the goods
we sell, we know them to be pure and wholesome ; and (2)
by trading with our own Wholesale Society the temptation
to supply short weights or goods of a false description is
reduced to a minimum.
Drapery Store.
On January 30th the President (Mr. Lander), who has
become one of the recognised leaders of English Co-operation,
Co-operative Society Limited. 209
made memorable his term of office by opening our
Central Drapery Store, the business of which began with an
entirely new stock of spring goods. The continued increase
in the trade of the Drapery Department, and the necessity
for more room in the other departments of the Central
Stores, forced the Society to further enlarge the Central
premises. Opportunity was taken for the purchase of the
land at the corner of Bridge Street and St. George's Road
some five years previously, but, as part of the old buildings
were held under lease, building operations were delayed
until the beginning of last year. After mature consideration
the Committee decided that it was best to make thoroughly
good premises for drapery.
This course received the approval of the members, and
Messrs. Bradshaw and Gass, F.R.I.B.A., were instructed
to prepare the necessary plans. Information was obtained
ai to the arrangements of the most successful of the large
retail drapery stores in this and other countries. Numerous
schemes were under consideration, and after the plans were
matured they were submitted for the approval of the
Corporation. Before the plans were approved, however,
negotiations were entered into for the purchase by the town
of the corner of the site for a public improvement.
Terms mutually favourable were eventually agreed on,
and a large circular corner has now been formed, and
utilised so as to make the most striking feature of the
.building.
But a rearrangement of the plans became necessary,
and after many further sketches had been submitted and
the scheme thoroughly considered in every possible way
by the Committee, who carefully went into the various
details inseparable to an important building, they finally
approved the plans. These were exhibited at a meeting of
the members, together with a model of the building, and
received their fuU sanction. Altogether the biiUding is on
the square, 93 feet by 90 feet, and is four storejs high, with
basement. Consideration had to be given in determining
the height of the building to the rights of light, &c., acquired
by adjoining owners, and negotiations were satisfactorily
completed where^necessary.
210 History of the Great and Little Bolton
The building is the largest ever built in the town for a
retail business, and forms a striking and imposing block.
Externally it is designed to give the greatest possible amount
of light to all parts of the premises, and, therefore, large
window spaces are made on all sides. All the main front
on the ground floor is devoted to show windows, large sheets
of polished British plate glass being used, some of these
sheets being the largest in Bolton. Polished red granite
columns mark the main division of the design. Special
features have been made of the entrances, which are spacious
and arranged from the footpath level, with the sides
utilised as show windows. All the shop fronts are of polished
walnut wood. In the cornice sun blinds are arranged
along the whole front, and in the frieze walnut signs, with
gold letters and fronted with plate glass.
Opening of Drapery Department. Address by Mr.
Lander. The Mayor and Our Society.
Saturday, January 30th, 1897, wiU long be remembered
by local Co-operators as a most important day in the history
of the Society. After much anxious thought and patient
consideration the handsome premises at the junction of
Bridge Street and St. George's Road to be devoted to
drapery purposes were opened with much ceremony.
On the opening day all the preliminaries were in keeping
with an event of such first-class importance. Flags were
to be seen from the new structure and at the Centrad Store.
There was an air of eager expectation in Bridge Street
among the waiting crowds long prior to the opening. A
string of some sixty horses and vehicles — the property of
the Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited —
passed along neighbouring thoroughfares at the proper
time, only to be generally admired for neatness, cleanliness,
and substantiality.
His Worship the Mayor (Alderman B. A. Dobson, J. P.)
stepped from his carriage almost immediately after Colonel
Arthur Bailey (Messrs. Bailey and Son, Solicitors to the
Society) arrived upon the scene, and at three o'clock, the
hour fixed for the principal event of the day, a procession
turned into St. George's Road from the Hall in Bridge Street,
Co-operative Society Limited, 2ii
amid increasing excitement. This procession was made up
of the Directorate, the Educational Committee, and
respective officials, with a number of other Co-operative
leaders in Bolton and district, and representatives of
Societies from a distance.
Mr. J. J. Bradshaw awaited the coming of the procession,
and when Mr. Lander advanced to the main doorway he,
on behalf of his partner and himself, presented the President
with a beautifully-chased and suitably inscribed key
wherewith to turn the lock and formally open the building.
The proceedings were at this point of the briefest descrip-
tion. Mr. Lander acknowledged the gift in a few words.
He expressed the hope that the building would fulfil the
purpose for which it was meant in every respect, and
went on to do all that was needed to throw open the doors,
and, the " open sesame " accomplished, he entered the
department, attended by his feUow processionists and those
of the public who had come specially to witness the inaugura-
tion. Following on the removal to the new premises would
come further development in other directions. It was
meant to bring the Tailoring and the Hat and Cap
Department where the drapery business was previously
conducted. This was being done to oblige the gentlemen
in the Society. They wanted to persuade the Committee
they were exceedingly modest, and did not care to come
and purchase their outfits in the Drapery Department
because so many ladies would be there at the same time.
The thirty-seventh Anniversary of our Society was
celebrated under the most encouraging circumstances.
There was an overflowing audience, the report presented
was of a flattering character, and the attitude towards the
future was most hopeful. Mr. Pomfret, in his lucid state-
ment, briefly summarised the year's operations, and the
facts he gave testified that 'not only were our operations
extending rapidly, but the work of consolidation was
proceeding steadily. Never was the Society in a sounder
position than it stood that day. It was also most
gratifying to observe that our members were increasingly
seeing the wisdom of what Mr. Pomfret terraed making a
212 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
provision for old age. The capital which was accumulated
by our operations for the members was being in a great
measure stored away ready for the " rainy day " if ever it
came. This was seen in the growing capital of the Society,
but more clearly illustrated by the figures showing the
work of our Cottage Building Department. It could not be
too often emphasised that our members, if they were wise,
would never reckon dividend as current income, but stead-
fastly adhere to the rule of allowing it to accumulate until
it reached a sum calling for other suitable investment. Those
that garner were the benefactors of the community ; the
squanderers were a curse. Those who spent their dividends
kOled the goose that laid the golden eggs. The capitalist
class knew how money makes money, and thus secured
their position. It was by understanding commercial
principles and applying them honestly that the fears of
men would prove groundless.
One of the most interesting meetings the Society has
had took place on Monday, February ist, the main interest
being centred in the election of the President and four
members of the Committee of Management. Owing to the
rules of the Society, all the retiring members were compelled
to retire, having served four years in succession. From
early morning unusual animation was shown in the
immediate neighbourhood of the Central Stores. Many
members took advantage of the system of taking votes in
the daytime, for before six o'clock no less than 2,000 mem-
bers had recorded their votes in the General Office.
Referring to the change of Directors, it was hoped that
we should have a continuity of policy and a continuity of
success. The Society was now in the heyday of prosperity,
and now was the time to develop and consolidate, so as to
preserve and increase the stability of the Society. The
members were asked to do what they could to help the
Society to increase and develop, so that the days of sunshine
might prepare them for the days of adversity, and " while
we prepare for adversity let us not seek it, but try to keep
the wolf from the door, and help to make the poor richer,
and thus help to drive adversity from the land,"
CENTRAL TAILORING DEPARTMENT.
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 215
Our Tailoring and Hat and Cap Departments.
The removal of the Drapery to our handsome new
premises made it possible for the Committee to put the
Tailoring and Hat and Cap Departments in suitable
buildings. The Society has always recognised the
necessity of keeping abreast of the times in aU their depart-
ments. Trade changes its ways ; the people nowadays want
to see a proper display of goods, so as to have full oppor-
tunity for deciding on their purchases. The Stores have to
be fully equipped, so that members may get prompt atten-
tion and all the conveniences of the highest-class shops.
So the old buildings get out of date, and the old arrange-
ments get outgrown. Particularly was this so with the
Hat and Cap Department and the Tailoring Department.
In the former, the counters have been lined with customers
seven or eight deep, causing much inconvenience, and the
latter was altogether too cramped for modern trade.
The Committee had under their most careful consideration
the utilising of the old Drapery Store in the best manner,
so as to promptly adapt the building, and utilise as much
as possible of the old fittings. Messrs. Bradshaw and
Gass, F.R.I.B.A., received their instructions to prepare
the plans, and schemes were submitted and finally
approved.
For the Tailoring the old shop front required the most
alteration, the great stone columns blocking out the view
of the goods. These had aU to be taken out and iron
columns inserted. This necessitated careful propping, and
the whole of the superstructure was held in position and
the new columns inserted without a single crack appearing.
Very fine show windows were made, and narrow polished
granite columns under the pilasters. The frames are of
polished mahogany, and hold the large sheets of plate glass
in position. It is interesting to note that two of the large
sheets of plate glass are the largest that ever came into
Bolton, and there are few of equal size in the country.
Inside, the lower floor is divided mainly for boys' clothing,
ready made and to measure, with a fitting place behind
the staircase. The old staircase with its awkward windings
2i5 History of the Great xnd Little Bolton
was altered, and now has square steps and easy landings,
giving access to the upper floors, which are put to important
uses.
The following items are the main minutes of note that
have been gleaned for the year 1897, and as they explain
themselves they have been left in extenso : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, April 19th, 1897. — That an item
be placed on the agenda for the next Quarterly Meeting asking the
members if, in case a fund is raised in commemoration of the Queen's
Diamond Jubilee, shall we contribute to the same, and if so to what
extent.
Quarterly Meeting, May 3rd, 1897. — That we make a donation
of ;£5oo from the reserve fund to the fund being raised by the Mayor
of Bolton in commemoration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
That it be left in the hands of the Committee as to what course
the Society should pursue with reference to the Jubilee celebration.
Committee Meeting, Wednesday, August 4th, 1897. — That after
the removal of the tailoring business to Bark Street the old tailors'
shop be added to the Provision Department, and that the butter
trade be transferred from the Grocery Department to the Provision
Department.
That the front portion of the Hat and Cap Department be devoted
to the jewellery business under the management of the Furnishing
Department, and that the back portion be added to the making-up
room of the Grocery Department.
Committee Meeting, Friday, September loth, 1897. — A meeting
of a Sub-Committee of the Society and representatives of the various
organisations of the iron men now on strike was held to formulate
a scheme for distributing relief to those in distress, when it was
resolved that the officials of the various Societies should prepare
lists of the names of all cases brought before their notice, submit the
lists to us twice a week, and that the relief should be distributed by
a Sub-Committee of our own Society, on our own premises.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, September i6th, 1897. — That, in
response to the appeal from the Queen Street Mission for free dinners
for poor children, we grant them provisions to the value of £5.
That we provide two free breakfasts each week for the poor
children in St. Matthew's parish.
Committee Meeting, Monday, October 4th, 1897. — That we
nominate Mr. Robert Howarth as a candidate for election on the
Board of the Co-operative Sundries Society, Mr. R. G. Crowshaw
having intimated to us his intention of resigning the office, and that
we thank Mr. Crowshaw for his services.
That we supply four free breakfasts to the poor children in St.
Matthew's parish as before.
Co-operative Society Limited. 217
That we apply to the Wholesale Society for a share of the ;^3,ooo
which was voted to reUeve distress caused by the engineers' dispute.
That we instruct Mr. Simpson to attend the sale by auction this
evening of the premises situate in John Street used as a stable,
and that he be authorised to bid on behalf of the Society. [This
property was bought at a reasonable figure.]
Committee Meeting, Monday, November 15th, 1897. — That we
make a further grant of £5 worth of provisions to the soup kitchen
promoted by the Engineers' Lock-out Committee ; also that we
repeat the grants to the various trades organisations for relief of
distress as before.
Committee Meeting, Monday, November 22nd, 1897. — That the
Secretary do sign on behalf of the Society an agreement made between
Robert Bolton and this Society, being an agreement to demise unto
the Society a plot of land situate in Deane Road, Rumworth.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, December 2nd, 1897. — That the
window and the workroom of the Jewellery Department be altered
as suggested, and that the tender of the Cabinet-makers' Society be
accepted for same.
The Secretary's report for the year 1897 reads as follows :
The Jubilee Year can scarcely be said to have been a year of
rejoicing for the people of Bolton, but, on the other hand, we may
certainly pronounce it to have been one of the most disastrous
periods of modern times. It has also been a period which has
clearly demonstrated to all classes of the community the advantages
to be derived from our Co-operative system. For instance, on
joining our Society the first thing a member becomes possessed of is a
bank book, and without any effort on the part of the individual the
entries in the book are constantly swelling, with a result that with
what they have been enabled to save from their earnings — in
addition to what has been credited to them for dividend — the balance
due to our members at the beginning of the year now under review
was ;£484,723. During the year we have paid in withdrawals,
including interest and dividend, the enormous sum of ^^205, 027. I
mention this to show that those persons who have been so unfortunate
as to be locked out from employment and are members of our Society
are tiding over these most trying times with comparative ease, being
able to draw on their savings just as they require it without any
previous notice having to be given. We claim ours to be the only
institution in the town where this is possible.
2i8 History of the Great and Little Bolton
CHAPTER XXIX.
1898.
An Anxious Time — Half-Yearly Stocktaking Started —
Employes' Delegate to Congress Allowed — An Unsatis-
factory Stock — Tailors' Dispute — Annual Party — Helping
the Distressed — Motion to Abolish Employes' Bonus
Considered — Its Rejection — Educational Grant Considered
— Cost per Member — What Reduction Would Mean —
Grants of Other Societies Compared — Opinion of Vicar
of Bolton — Arguments For and Against Reduction —
Reduction Proposal Rejected — Halliwell Lodge Shop —
Freehold Purchased — Sole Cutting Machine Obtained —
Secretary's Report for Year — Trade Increase — Dividend
Increase — Grants to Charities — Musgrave Road Shop on
Halliwell Lodge Estate Arranged For.
CHE first Monthly Meeting of this year was, as usual,
held in the Co-operative Hall on Monday, January
3rd, 1898, there being a good attendance of members.
The chair was taken at 7-30 p.m. by Mr. William Arthur
Hilton, who in the course of his remarks said eleven months
ago, when he and his colleagues had the honour to be
elected to the position of Chairman and Committee, they
little thought what troubles and anxieties were in store for
them through the unfortunate dispute which had been
raging so long. The Committee, Manager, Secretary, and
other officials had very anxious times, anxious through
lessened receipts, anxious as to the demands for money
from those who were thrown out of work, anxious to relieve
distress by your generosity, anxious not to be imposed upon,
anxious whether it would mean a less dividend at so grave a
juncture, anxious that the Society should still retain its
hold on the public in the future as in the past. That night
he was pleased — nay, profoundly thankful — to be able to say
that through all the anxieties enumerated the Society had
Co-operative Society Limited. 219
been able to secure a trade of ^^581, 761 for the year, and
that the dividend for that quarter would be again 2s. gd.
in the £ on purchases, and the profit for the year ^^82,932.
Under the head of General Business the Committee were
requested to continue to make grants for the relief of the
distress in the town ; and a question was asked as to the
claim said to have been made by the trustees of the Tem-
perance Hall for damage sustained to that building by the
erection of our new Drapery Stores. The Chairman said
that negotiations were in progress, and it was not wise to
make any further statement then.
At the next Committee Meeting, Thursday, January
6th, 1898, powers were decided to be asked for as follows : —
That we ask the Quarterly Meeting for the permission to
revise the Rules to provide for half-yearly stocktaking and the
paying of an interim dividend.
The following minute explains itself : —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, February 25th, 1898. — It was
reported to the Committee that at a meeting of the employes
held on Tuesday last it was resolved that the best thanks of the
meeting be tendered to the Committee and members for the privilege
granted to the employes of being represented at Congress. At the
same meeting Mr. Caleb Wood was appointed as the representative.
There was a great deal of distress in the town during
the strike, and it is worth noting that the Co-operative
Society greatly helped its members, for during two quarters
alone they were able to draw from the Stores the sum of
£131,906, this large amount representing their own money,
which was almost wholly saved by purchasing at the Store,
and which, under other circumstances, would have gone
into the pockers of the shopkeepers.
A great deal of trouble was experienced in connection
with the Tailoring Department during this year, and as the
motions and minutes relating thereto practically explain
themselves they are herewith collected together under
their respective dates for the year.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, March 3rd, iSgS. — That we meet
in the Tailoring Department on Tuesday evening next to examine
the stock in that department, also that a valuer be appointed to
examine the stock and report to the Committee as to its condition
and value,
220 History of the Great and. Little Bolton
Committee Meeting, Tuesday, March 8tli, 1898. — That the
resignation of Mr, Finlay, Manager of the Tailoring Department, be
accepted.
That we advertise for a Manager for the Tailoring Department,
the advertisement to appear in the Bolton Evening News and the
Bolton Chronicle and Manchester Guardian and Yorkshire Post on
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday next, and in the Co-operative News
on Thursday next.
Committee Meeting, Wednesday, April 20th, 1898. — Having
carefully examined the stock in the Tailoring Department, it was
resolved that the whole stock of cloth be disposed of through job
salesmen on commission, and that the old surplus stock of
ready-made garments be removed to the old tailoring premises in
Bridge Street, and that after the sale the remainder be disposed of
in such a manner as may be found to be best.
The Tailoring Department was placed under new
management — Mr. Mercer.
Committee Meeting, Monday, December 5th, 1898. — A deputation
of the Trades Council and the Tailors' Association having waited
upon the Committee in reference to a statement made by the tailors
in our employ, it was arranged that a Committee be formed, con-
sisting of three members of this Committee, three members of the
Tailors' Association, and two members of the Trades Council, to
thoroughly investigate the case. That Messrs. Hilton, Hodge, and
Crowshaw represent this Committee in the matter.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, December 22nd, 1898. — A deputa-
tion of the Trades Council and the Tailors' Association waited upon
the Committee to further consider the complaints of the tailors,
when it was arranged that the Special Committee appointed to
investigate the case should meet on the following Wednesday, the
matter being then settled.
Annual Party.
On Saturday, February 19th, 1898, the 38th Annual Tea
Party in connection with our Society was held, and, as
heretofore, proved quite a success. Nearly every seat in
the Temperance Hall was occupied for some time prior to
the opening of the entertainment, which was announced to
be held under the chairmanship of Mr. William Arthur
Hilton (President). He said that those interested in the Co-
operative movement had great cause for rejoicing. He did
not care on which side they looked, from whatever point of
view, whether they took into account the Societies in the
Co-operative Society Limited. 221
whole of the United Kingdom, or whether they took into
consideration the Bolton Co-operative Society alone, they
had great cause for congratulation. For it was a Society of
which they were not ashamed. It was one that had done a
large amount of trade, and had made a large amount of
profit. The figures were quite as wonderful as those relating
to the trade of the Societies of the United Kingdom.
Surely, notwithstanding the long dispute between capital
and labour with which the town had so much to do, they
could say their Society rested on a good and sure foundation.
Had it been otherwise, they could not have had these very
excellent results. But, in addition to all this, he wanted to
teU them with emphasis that the Bolton Co-operative Society
had distributed relief to the distressed in the town to the
extent of £398. Nor had this been extended to members of
the Society alone. They had said : " Are you in distress ?
If so, we will relieve you." Again they had, as Co-operators,
said : " If we relieve you at a time when you are not in the
Society, we take it that in the common order of things
you will remember us when you are in better circumstances
and can do trade with the Society that has helped you in
your distress." He would like to tell the meeting how this
£398 given to relieve the distress had been made up and by
whom. The Bolton Society was indebted to the Co-opera-
tive Wholesale Society for £1^^ ; the friends at Farnworth
thought Bolton was in greater distress than themselves,
and they sent £10 for distribution as was thought best.
Another £10 was forwarded from Earlestown, and Hebden
Bridge Society sent £5 towards the distress fund, the Bolton
Co-operative Society giving ;f2i8 of the whole £^<^& distri-
buted.
At the Monthly Meeting, Monday, March 7th, 1898, the
question of the bonus paid to the employes came up for
consideration, and a motion resulted as follows : —
That a Special General Meeting be held immediately after the
close of the next Monthly Meeting to consider the following motion
by Mr. James Fishwick : — " That the present system of paying bonus
to servants of this Society be abolished, and if the Committee of
Management are of opinion that the present wages are too low they
take steps to increase the same to any reasonable amount,"
222 History of the Great and Little Bolton
At the Special General Meeting, Monday, April 4tli, 1898,
the question was debated, and as neither the employes nor
the members were in favour of bonus being dropped, the
resolution moved by Mr. James Fishwick : —
That the present system of paying bonus to employes of this
Society be abolished, and if the Committee of Management are of
opinion that the present wages are too low they take steps to increase
the same to any reasonable amount,
which was seconded by Mr. Haydock, and discussed at con-
siderable length, on being put to the meeting was declared
to be lost.
Unusual interest was shown in this meeting. The
Committee of Management took steps to accommodate
all members who chose to attend, and engaged the most
convenient room in the town, viz., the Albert Hall.
Mr. Fishwick, in moving his resolution, said his objection
to bonus was a matter of principle. It was not a system of
profit-sharing, but was a sham, as for years it had been a
part of their servants' wages. Trade unionists would not
like their wages to be so much and a part made up ; then
why should it be to our shopmen ? Bonus was given to
make the servants obliging, but were they as obUging as
they might be ? Had the bonus done what was claimed for it?
No servant had an interest in keeping down prices. Every
servant should know what his wages were, and not be
dependent on a certain profit being made, and if the resolu-
tion passed it would make no difference to the servants or
the Society, as it wUl be simply taking a little from one
account and adding it to another.
Mr. Haydock, in seconding the resolution, said he did not
believe in bonus, but in fixed wages. A servant who did his
duty should have good wages. The servants seemed to think
they were masters of the situation. Instead of paying
;^2,ooo per year in bonus, wages should be raised if not
sufficient.
The Chairman said he wished to give the views of the
Committee of Management. Bonus had been paid to
servants for twenty-four years, and it amounted to a very
Co-operative Society Limited.
223
good sum on the whole. It varied very much according to
the profits and the number of servants. The Committee
found that —
In 1888 it
amou
nted to
IS. lojd. per £ on wages
„ 1889
„
IS. iid. „ „
ji 189°
2S. id. „ „
., 1891
2S. 3d. „ „
„ 1892
28. ofd. „ „
„ 1893
IS. 9d. ,, „
;, 1894
IS. 7id.
„ 1895
IS- /id-
„ 1896
is. 7d.
„ 1897
IS. 3id. „
The members must bear in mind that no bonus would be
paid unless the Society was successful, for if the dividend
fell below is. 6d. no bonus would be paid. This was an
inducement to the servants so that profits would be made.
The Society paid good wages, and gave short hours and good
workrooms, and we ought to do it. This was one of the
principles of the Rochdale Pioneers, which we had followed
for twenty-four years. We have been a successful Society
under the present system, and now we are asked to pay
more wages to 600 or more of our employes and to stop
their bonus. We believe that 90 or 95 per cent of our ser-
vants are as good servants as can be got. There are, no
doubt, a few who are not up to the mark, but taken as a
whole we have a staff of servants to be proud of. If we
stopped the bonus to these servants we should have to give
advances in wages, so that nothing would be saved under
these circumstances. It was the unanimous wish of the
Committee that the present system of bonus should not be
interfered with.
Mr. Joseph Worsley said there was a mistaken idea as to
what bonus meant. Some members seemed to think it was
about 3d. in the £. He might say it was about f d. in the £,
so they would see how much it increased the cost of any
article. If a member did a trade of £10 per quarter, the
amount of bonus paid on that trade was only j\A. Let us
look back to the time when it was decided to give a
bonus. The Society was_making small dividends, and the
members thought if they could stop the leakage it would
224 History of the Great and Little Bolton
be a good thing. Bonus was adopted to lift up the profits,
and it has done so. He questioned whether we had the
moral right to take from men what they have had for
twenty-four years. Would they have the same profits as
they had that day if no bonus had been paid ? He
thought not.
Mr. James Howarth said that when servants were
engaged the bonus was considered as part of their wages,
and if bonus was taken away their wages were reduced.
As a working man, who in this case happened to be an
employer, he should do his utmost to prevent the wages
of the servants from being reduced by such a misleading
resolution as the one brought before the meeting.
Mr. H. Diggle said he felt it a duty to defend a principle
that had been in force twenty-four years. The mover of
the resolution had failed to make out a case. The resolution
would take off the bonus first, and then throw on the
Committee of Management the onus of taking steps to raise
wages if they thought necessary. He asked the members
to let wisdom and common sense guide them, and not put
back the hands of the clock for twenty-four years, as we
should make a gross mistake if we go back in this matter.
Mr. J. Potts said there had been a lot of sentiment that
night, but he wished to refer to the great increase in the
working expenses. He did not wish to reduce wages, but
he disagreed with bonus, and the motion ought to fix the
amount of any advances in wages.
Mr. Fishwick replied to the discussion, and on the
resolution being put to the vote it was lost by a large
majority.
Motions for the reduction of grants to the various
sections of the work of the Society were prevalent this year,
and the next department to receive attack was the Educa-
tional Department, which resulted eventually in a Special
General Meeting, Monday, October 3rd, 1898, with the
result that a motion " That Rule 63, relating to grant from
net profits for educational purposes, be amended by striking
out the words ' 2^ per cent ' and substituting the words
' ij per cent ' " was lost by a very large majority.
Co-operative Society Limited. 225
Many comments were made on this meeting at the time,
and they are generalised herewith : —
We do not know whether any of the individuals favourable to
the proposition for the grant from our Society's fundp for educational
purposes be reduced were present at the meeting. If they were, we
can easily imagine that they came and heard and were conquered.
For anything more convincing than the arguments adduced for
continuing the grant of 2 J per cent on the net --profits of the Society
for the purpose of education among our members and members'
children cannot be conceived.
The then Vicar of Bolton, himself a non-Co-operator,
inspected the Library at this time, and inquired for informa-
tion respecting the Evening Classes and the payment of
half fees to members' children for attending the technical
instruction classes, he also attending at the annual distribu-
tion of prizes and certificates to the successful students,
and his remarks were that he was quite certain that to take
a single penny from the annual educational grant would be
the sheerest folly. How infinitesimal the sum is per member
is easily worked out. In the natural order of things you
must educate before you can make men think and act
independently and, at the same time, with sense and reason.
Many of our educationalists themselves require a firmer
grounding in true Co-operative principles. It as naturally
follows that, looking to the future as well as the present,
you must more particularly educate the young. To these
young people we look for the success, the prosperity of
Co-operation in the days that are coming. We look to them
not only to maintain the triumphs of the past and the present,
but to uphold and strengthen them as time goes on and we
of riper years pass away. If they are to fulfil our aspirations
they must be educated to do it. They must be trained; their
wits must be sharpened. The Library, the Evening Classes,
the Reading-rooms, the addresses at Entertainments and
Meetings will do much toward this, while the "Record"
will continue to be a medium of communication and
instruction among Co-operators which it would be difficult
to replace.
As to the payment of half fees to members and members'
children for the classes they attend, are we not paying our
own money to help our own members ? Are we scattering
226 History of the Great and Little Bolton
it outside the ciide of Co-operation ? or are we helping —
as the essence of Co-operation should be to do — one another,
and those amongst the most deserving, because they are
anxious to improve themselves and so improve those by
whom they are surrounded ? Here is a point where the
Educational Committee may be said to be economising.
Depend upon it, the Educational Committee know how
best to spend the money voted to them. They have the
confidence of Co-operators generaUy. They cannot believe
the money is placed in their keeping grudgingly, and they
do not mean to be crippled in the work to which they have
set their hands.
The following were the points put forwaid in favour of
the grant being retained at 2j per cent instead of being
reduced as proposed by the resolution : —
It will be of interest to note that when the pioneers of
our Society issued their first balance sheet in March, i860,
they devoted 2J per cent for educational purposes, this
pait of their work being looked upon as a fundamental
principle.
What does the reduction mean ? It means that the
Society shall pay \d. less to the educational fund for every
20s. spent at the Stores. Only \A. in the £. This will make
no difference in the dividend. Is it, then, worth changing a
system that has existed from the very commencement of
the Society ?
What does it mean to the Educational Department ?
It means a curtailment of the advantages offered to
members. It means closing some of our Branch Reading-
rooms, and reducing our fine Central Room from a first-class
to a second-rate room. Its effect on the Lending Library,
with its 3,000 borrowers, will be very severe, and its useful-
ness greatly marred. There is no doubt the classes would be
practically extinguished, while aid to the Technical,
Science, and Language Classes of the town and the better
class Lectures could not be maintained. The other
departments of the work would also suffer, viz., the
Concerts, the '' Record," and the Women's Guild. With these
points in view it is advisable to ask the question : Is it
Co-operative Society Limited. 227
worth while breaking up the Society's woric, throwing the
whole into confusion, for Jd. in the £ ?
It is worth notice that if the grant is reduced it will not
allow the Reading-rooms to be maintained and the Almanac
and the " Record " to be given free, even if the sale of the
Co-operative News at half price is discontinued and our
Rambles, Concerts, Classes, Library, and Women's Guild
are given up.
Readers will observe that from this point of view the loss
to the members is great in educational advantages, while
the gain to the individual member is very small. In fact,
it is an open question as to whether there will be any gain at
all, for the Educational Department pays a large portion
of the grant back to the Society for rent of rooms, and if
these rooms were not used a small loss would be entailed.
There are many members who look upon Co-operation as
something higher than mere buying and selling, and any
attempt to lessen its elevating tendency would drive them
away, and it does not need many members being driven
away to lessen the trade so as to increase the working
expenses Jd. in the £.
Lancashire men are fond of the motto : " What Lanca-
shire thinks to-day England will think to-morrow." So
when comparisons are made with distant Societies, whose
requirements and aims are unknown, it will perhaps be well
to remember that the Rochdale Pioneers' Society not only
allows 2| per cent to educational purposes, but allows use
of rooms rent free as well. That Oldham, whom some
Boltonians look upon as rough and uncultured, has two
Societies, of which one, Oldham Industrial, gives not 2^,
but 4 per cent, and Oldham Equitable 3 per cent of net
profits for educational purposes ; so as far as generosity goes,
Oldham leads the way, while Bury, along with Bolton,
follow in its train.
Co-operators of to-day in Bolton have succeeded to a
glorious heritage. They reap where others sowed. In days
gone by it was no honour to be a Co-operative leader, but a
term of reproach ; but owing to the providence and wisdom
of those who had the matter in hand a great corporation has
grown up, an institution that is known, respected, and
228 History of the Great and Little Bolton
looked up to from all parts of the United Kingdom. Not a
week passes but some inquiry is made or advice sought by
some struggling Society. Co-operators of Bolton, look to
the principles that have made your Society so strong, so
respected, and so powerful, and, before casting aside any
principle that has helped to build it up, examine for your-
selves, and be sure that there is a just cause for any change.
Not for any whim or caprice, or to please the fancy of those
who would just like to try a change, but give the matter due
and earnest consideration, and the result will be that the
Bolton Co-operative Society shall still be a Society of light
and leading, a model for other Societies to copy and follow,
and so hasten the time when the suspicion and mistrust that
hinder Co-operation may pass away.
The report of the meeting at which this matter was
discussed presents several interesting features and argu-
ments used for and against. We extract a few.
The Chairman (Mr. W. A. Hilton) called upon Mr. Potts,
who moved the resolution, to speak, and he said that he
did not wish to discuss how the educational grant was spent,
but to raise the question : Is it necessary for us to go on as
we are doing ? Fifty years ago things were much different
from what they are now. This is an age of Public Libraries
and School Boards. Education is open to aU. Now, when
the Rochdale Pioneers commenced to give a percentage for
education newspapers were scarce, and people had to club
together to buy one. There were no libraries, and educa-
tional facilities were very poor, profits were low, and the
grant small. He also referred to the large increase of the
Government grant paid for school purposes, and pointed
out that some Societies paid no grant, while many others
paid less than 2^ per cent.
Mr. John Worsley seconded the resolution, and in so
doing pointed out that he only did so in order to give the
Educational Committee an opportunity of explaining more
fully to the members what was being done with the
educational grant. There was a good deal of agitation
amongst the members, and he thought the best way to
settle the matter was to bring it before that meeting.
Co-operative Society Limited. 229
Personally, he was in favour of the grant being continued,
and spoke well of the work done by the Educational
Committee for the daughters of members. He looked back
with pleasure on the work he had taken part in, not only
in the educational, but in the business work of the Society.
Mr. H. Naylor, who was then the Chairman of the
Educational Committee, said he opposed the motion, and
gave an account of the work then being done by the Com-
mittee, and showed that the various departments of work
met with great success, and were appreciated by large
numbers of members.
Mr. John T. Walkden, then a member of the Educational
Committee, followed, and, in reply to Mr. Potts, called
attention to the fact that the Public Library was a great
deal behind the times as regards books for technical
instruction, and other classes of books as well. With regard
to the help the School Board gave Co-operators he instanced
the fact that they actually withdrew a class book from the
schools because it spoke well of Co-operation. Mr. Potts
had objected to the work done for children, but he (Mr.
Walkden) considered the work done for children to be of the
greatest importance.
Mr. Farnworth spoke against the motion, as did also Mr.
Lander, who said that education was a good investment,
and amply repaid the Society for the amount spent, but
even if it were not so this was the time when the traders in
Scotland and many other places in the country were doing
their utmost to impede the progress of Co-operation.
Mr. Potts briefly replied, and, on a vote being taken, the
motion was lost by a large majority, only six hands being
held up in its favour.
An important development of a forward nature was
recorded towards the end of this year by the taking of land
on the Halliwell Lodge Estate for a Branch Store. The
subjoined resolutions show the steps in detail and are self-
explanatory : —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, October 2bth, i8g8. — That we
lease from Mr. T. E. Smith a piece of land on the Halliwell Lodge
Estate for a new Branch Store.
230 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Committee Meeting, Thursday, November 17th, 1898. — That the
plans submitted by the Architect for a new Branch Store on the
Halliwell Lodge Estate be adopted, also that Edwards' Ruabon brick
and Higson's common brick be used in the building.
That the Secretary do sign on behalf of the Society the agreement
made between this Society and Mr. T. E. Smith for the lease and the
draft lease of a plot of land on the Halliwell Lodge Estate.
Committee Meeting, Monday, November 21st, 1898. — That we
purchase the freehold of th6 ground we have taken on the Halliwell
Lodge Estate for a new Branch Store.
The next development recorded in the minutes is the
provision of machinery for the Boot and Shoe Department,
to be used chiefly in the repair trade : —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, December 8th, i8g8. — That we
purchase a shoe sole cutting machine from the Heckmondwike Works
of the Co-operative Wholesale Society.
From the Secretary's report (Mr. Joseph Pomfret) for
the year 1898 we extract the follov/ing : —
The result of the trading operations of a combination of 23,000
persons in one locality may be said to be a fair indication of the state
of trade in that particular district. That being so, we people of
Bolton, after having passed through such a gloomy period, have
reason to be thankful for a return of prosperity, as the returns of our
Co-operative Society doth show.
When we take into account the fact that the beginning of the year
saw the termination of the great iron dispute, when a large number
of our members were practically destitute, the decrease on the year
is more than accounted for. The new year just entered upon (1839)
has begun even better than the old year ended, the sales for the first
five weeks -being £5,862 more than the same period of last year, and
;^5,i56 more than the same period of two years ago.
Another and a more convincing proof of a return of prosperity
is the fact that our members have added to their savings during the
year the sum of ;^20,oi6, which has brought up our share capital to
the gigantic total of £^g5,50^.
For the last quarter in the year we were in the happy position of
being able, owing to increased profits, of paying an increased dividend
of 2S. lod. in the £. It was hoped that this increased dividend would
be an inducement to our members to bring us the whole of their trade,
and also to induce others who were not members also to join us.
We are well equipped, both in buildings and staff, to cope with a
much larger trade, so that any additional business which is brought
to us will be done without any extra expense, and will thus enable
us to maintain the increased dividend. Other and all the depart-
ments alike show increases.
Co-operative Society Limited. 231
CHAPTER XXX.
1899.
A Good Start — Branch Checktaking Arranged — Exhibition
Decided Upon — Tailors' Dispute — Trying to Oust Female
Labour — Members' Decision — Settlement Arrived At —
Annual Sales in the Drapery Department — Annual Party
— Eulogy of Society's Work — Office Alterations — Building
Minutes — Church Road Stores — Doffcocker Store Pur-
chased— Butcher's Shop at Bradshaw Purchased — St.
Helens Road Store Arranged For — Tonge Moor Shoe
Shop Bought — Success of First Half Year's Trade — Divi-
dend Increased — Restaurant Department Mooted — Classes
Transferred.
CHIS year was started under happy conditions, in-
creased trade and increasing dividends alike
attracting new members, and the good conditions
which prevailed all tended towards keeping them once they
had joined. This necessitated an alteration in the check-
taking arrangements, and the following resolution in
connection therewith was passed at the Committee
Meeting, Thursday, January 12th, 1-899 ■ —
That we try the experiment of taking in pound checks and
receiving contributions to share capital at a number of Branch shops
this quarter end.
That we arrange to hold an Exhibition of Co-operative Pro-
ductions in our Hall during the second week in April.
In the midst of the festive season of the year Mr. Robert
Pennington, an old and doughty champion of Co-operation,
died. Mr. Pennington joined the Society about 1871, and
in 1881 was elected a member of the Educational Committee,
and acted as Treasurer of that department. After finishing
his term of office he kept up his interest in Co-operation,
and was well known at the business meetings of the Society.
232 History of the Great and Little Bolton
The prime cause of his death was a stroke, followed by
bronchitis, the result of a cold. The deceased was fifty-six
years of age. His death was regretted by many, even though
he often differed in opinion from the ruling powers, for
he was true to the very core in Co-operative work.
A dispute with the tailors occupied a good deal of atten-
tion at the beginning of this year, and for some Uttle time
there was a controversy between our Society and the tailors
we employed. The tailors stated their case to the Bolton
Trades Council, and meetings were held between the
Committee of Management and representatives of the Trades
Council and the Tailors' Association. If the matter had
been allowed to rest until such times as the parties who had
taken it in hand had come to an amicable settlement, or
had declared their inability to do so, it would have been
much better for all the parties concerned. However, a
number of basely false rumours were set afloat, which were,
to say the least of it, a most unmanly and un-English way
of gaining any desired object, and these eventually com-
pelled the Committee to state the case as it stood. We will
first trace the dispute as recorded in the minutes of this time :
Committee Meeting, Monday, January i6th, 1899. — That a letter
be sent to the Trades Council with reference to the false rumours
which are in circulation relating to the dispute in our Tailoring
Department.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, January 19th, 1899. — That we
reply to the letters of the tailors by saying that we cannot entertain
the question of dispensing with the females department.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, January 26th, 1899. — ^That in
response to the request of the Trades Council we arrange for a meeting
re tailoring question on Wednesday evening next.
That owing to false reports regarding our tailoring dispute con-
tinuing to be circulated a true statement of the case be published in
our " Record."
This statement was as foDows : —
In the tailoring trade it must be understood there are two wages
lists, one known as No. i Log and the other as No. 2 Log. Both
these lists are for men making up garments by hand. The No. i
list is principally adopted by fashionable houses for making up first-
:lass bespoke orders only. The No. 2 list is the one that is in
3peration principally in firms doing a business similar to our own.
Co-operative Society Limited. 233
Our men have for some years been paid by the No. i list. They
tell us they were put on this hst from the No. 2 list by our late
Manager against their wishes. We have always been under the
impression that it was at their request the alteration was made ;
at any rate, they are not willing to go back to the No. 2 list.
There is also another department, in which females are employed
making up cheaper garments by machinery. This department is
recognised by the Tailors' Association. It will be understood that
in the winter months, when overcoats are in demand, and people, as
a rule, do not go in for complete suits, coat hands will be busy,
while vest and trouser hands have very little to do. Such is the case
in our workshop at present.
In the summer months, when all departments are alike busy,
things work quite smoothly, but each time when winter comes round
there is some little friction of this sort. The tailors, in stating their
case, say that the work which should go to the men goes to the women,
and the work which should go to the women is sent to Manchester
to be made. We stoutly deny these charges, and can prove them
to be untrue. The tailors, on the other hand, have not sub-
stantiated their charges. They further say that the garments we
send to Manchester to be made are sent to a firm who employ sweated
labour, and who pay 50 per cent less wages than any other recognised
wage list in Lancashire.
The only garments we send to Manchester to be made are orders
which have been taken at machine-made prices, and over and above
what our own females can produce ; again, we send nothing but coats.
The only firm in Manchester to which we send garments to be made
is the Co-operative Wholesale Society. The Wholesale Society tell
us, and we have sufficient grounds to believe their statement, that
they employ trade union labour, they pay trade union wages, they are
working comfortably with their employes, and that their employes
enjoy many comforts and privileges which do not obtain in many
private workshops.
The tailors further say we ought not to send our work out of
town. To a very large extent we agree with them, though we do not
tlxink they are championing the cause of the females ; but, as we have
before stated, we only send such work out as we are unable to pro-
duce ourselves.
It must be remembered that the Wholesale Society is our own
institution, and that we have nearly ;£8o,ooo of our members' money
invested in its funds. Is it not our duty to endeavour to make such
an institution a success ?
What are we to do ? We are a Society of working men ; we have
a working-class trade ; we have also a good first-class trade. In
the summer months Ave find them all plenty of work and pay them
No. I Log wages ; in the winter we say we can also find them plenty
of work if they will work on No. 2 list. They say " No ; they must
have No. i list," even in winter, when they know that during that
season orders are chiefly for cheaper garments. Some of these men
who refuse this concession to us asked leave only a few weeks ago to
234 History of the Great and Little Bolton
be allowed to go to work for a private firm in town to make police-
men's clothing at a less rate of wages even than No. 2 Log hst, and,
when the job was finished, to be allowed to come back to us. They
got permission, and they went. We have just received a communi-
cation from the tailors in which they say they will not allow No. 2
list to be worked in our shop, only on conditions that we dispense
with female labour.
The female department is recognised by the Tailors' Association,
and there is a standard rate of wages for their labour. Is it fair to
expect us to give up the female department, and to throw these girls
out of employment ? Is it manly for a man to try to deprive a
woman of the means of earning an honest livelihood ? Have not all
trades at one time or another had to fight the machine question,
and have not all trades had to submit to machines ?
Although there is some philanthropy in Co-operation, the tailors
must remember that our business must be worked on business
lines. It is a common thing for our customers to compare our
prices -with the prices of the private trader, and if we do not com-
pare favourably we are soon told about it. The tailors do not tackle
the private traders as they do us. They tell us they cannot get on
with them at all. They expect us, as a Co-operative Society, to lead
the way, hoping that the traders will follow. But do they follow ?
We have led the way in many instances and have not been followed.
The sentiment that is preached with regard to what we ought to do
is simply playing into the hands of the traders and throwing our
business at them. If our men get their demands they shut up our
Tailoring Department, and we venture to say that if such a thing
should happen they would not all get places in Bolton. A man who
is master of his own business will not listen to such demands as our
men make to us, and would not ask his men if he might send his
garments to be made in a sweating den. He would do it, and his
men, though they might be members of the Tailors' Association,
would not interfere. They are trying to kill the goose which lays
them the golden egg.
The matter was eventually disposed of by the members
at a Special General Meeting, Thursday, July 20th, 1899,
when the Committee laid before them the facts of
the matter relating to a strike which commenced in our
Tailoring Department on July 6th, the journeymen tailors
giving as their reason for leaving work, " That, owing to
an unsatisfactory interview between the Manager of the
Tailoring Department and our representatives re the making
up of strike trade, we have decided to block the shop."
The whole of the correspondence and papers relating to the
dispute were laid before the meeting, and after a very
lengthy discussion it was resolved that the matter be left
Co-operative Society Limited.
235
with the Committee, pending the results of a meeting of
the Joint Committee of Trade Unionists and Co-operators,
appointed by their respective Congresses to deal with
disputes arising between Co-operative Societies and trade
unionist employes.
Committee Meeting, Monday, February 13th, 1899. — That the
proposition of the Joint Sub-Committee for the settlement of the
tailors' dispute be accepted, which is as follows : — That the men
work on the No. 2 time list, and that all suits at and over 50s., over-
coats at and over 38s., trousers at and over 15s. be made by the
men.
Annual Sales in
THE Drapery Department.
1897,
1898.
1899.
Thursday (ist day)
Fridav (2nd dav^
£ s. d.
1285 II 8
542 5 7
927 5 Hi
£ s. d.
1454 6 4j
509 12 o.i
1107 II ij
£ s. d.
1776 19 4J
768 15 9i
1462 4 I
Saturday (3rd day)
Total
2755 3 2j
3071 9 6J
4007 ig 3
The fact of our being able to draw £4,007 in three days
proves the business capabilities of our Drapery Department.
The figures show an increase of ^£936 over the first three
days of the previous year, and £1,252 over the first three
days of 1897.
The thirty-ninth Annual Party and Social was cele-
brated most successfully on Saturday, February i8th.
As usual, the demand for tea tickets could not be met.
A good party of entertainers were engaged, and our friend
Teddy Whittle was welcomed as an old favourite, and was
as irresistibly funny as ever. The interest of the gathering
was further enhanced by -the presence of Mr. Henry Broad-
hurst, M.P. for Leicester, and former Under Secretary for
the Home Department, who riveted the attention of the
audience with his address.
Mr. Hilton, as Chairman, said he was sure they would
expect a very little address from him that night. He
attributed much of the success of that vast concern to the
Manager, the Secretary, and the Managers of the Branch
Stores, all of whom were men of high standing. What had
236 History of the Great and Little Bolton
been done reflected the greatest credit on those who had to
manage the Stores. The Committee wished all to unite to
push on the good work. If they would be loyal they believed
the Society would still prosper, and that the results in the
future would surpass what the past had brought them.
Mr. Broadhurst, who was accorded a hearty reception,
said :^-
When your Committee invited me I had no idea that your gather-
ing was so numerous, so influential, or so large, or I should have
hesitated to have submitted myself to your attention for ever so short
a time. But I suppose, as being one of those who have been engaged
in the Labour world for more than forty years, it was thought that a
reunion on this occasion would be natural, and, perhaps, in my
individual case, agreeable. I was amazed when I read the report of
the Bolton Co-operative movement. The figures given by your
Secretary in his report, and referred to by your Chairman in his
speech, are beyond anything that I could have imagined in this town
of Bolton. When we see that you have done a trade of ;^i 0,000,000
of turnover in forty years ; that you have in the meantime suppHed
the best quality of goods and the necessities of life ; that you have
had the best measure, the best weight, and that in addition to that
you have returned to yourselves more than a million sterling in the
shape of profits, besides contributions to good and worthy objects,
philanthropy and education, I say it is a work of enormous propor-
tions, of great significance, and an illustration of the power of the
people which is not supplied by any other nation on the face of the
earth. Self-help never had a better illustration than yours is. The
work does not end in £ s. d. It is not a question of profits or a
question of dividends. It is the uplifting of the persons associated
with the movement where the greatest good accrues to the people
from the Co-operative Store. It is an important matter that people
should be well fed upon the very best of health-giving food, well
clothed, and well housed. Without that a nation must be on the
high road to decay. Well, sir, a walk through Bolton would lead a
keen observer to notice that there is something special in this com-
munity. The muscle, the " go," and the independent way in which
even the young carry themselves seem to me to denote something
special in the people. This is the secret of it, because you are
managing your own afifai/s by your own people, supplying yourselves
with the best that money can buy on the best of terms, and no drones
come in to take the fruits of your labours.
' You speak of your educational work ; it is all educational work.
No woman, no man, can enter a Co-operative Store or pass its
windows without receiving some sort of information or education.
It is all education. I know what you mean by your ;^5o,ooo spent on
education. That means special means of information, special oppor-
tunities of obtaining exact technical knowledge from the best masters
Co-operative Society Limited. 237
of the various subjects that your young folks like to apply their minds
to. Well, that is a mighty work. All power arises from knowledge,
and a man who has not knowledge only stumbles by accident ; if
he succeeds he does not succeed by method, nor by direct merit. In
so far you are doing a great educational work. This is a meeting
which indicates the character and power of the people, and if the
affairs of this country went by merit we should see it described in the
columns of the London papers as an evidence of the evergreen
strength and power of the British people to carve out for themselves
in their own way great success, great sources of self-help, profit, and
individual advantage. But you will not see a paragraph. You did
not grow up by the aid of newspapers. Your position and your
power have been created in the face of the opposition of large numbers
of them, though to-day they qualify their opposition in a very large
measure indeed. There is nothing I welcome more than the splendid
enterprise and self-reliance of the Co-operators of this great town of
Bolton.
The next minutes met with that are worthy of note are
as follows : —
Committee Meeting, Tuesday, February 14th, 1899. — That the
old tailors' showrooms in Bridge Street be converted into an office
for the Building Department and Savings Bank, and that the follow-
ing persons be asked to tender for the work r — Messrs. Maginnis,
Atherton, Townson, Paiton, Skinner, Page, and Gorse.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, April 6th, 1899. — That in the
interest of the Cottage Building Department we consider it advisable
to discontinue reading the minutes relating to mortgage advances,
but to give to the meeting the sum total of advances made during
the month, and that the next Quarterly Meeting be asked to agree
to this arrangement.
Committee Meeting, Monday, April 24th, 1899. — That we pur-
chase from Mr. Thomas Dawson the shop at the corner of Church
Road and Bennet's Lane for a Branch Store.
Quarterly Meeting, Monday, May ist, 1899. — That this meeting
approves of the recommendation of the Committee to discontinue
reading the minutes relating to mortgage advances, and that in
future only the number of advances and the total sum of advances
be given to the meeting.
Quarterly Meeting, Monday, August 7th, 1899. — That the action
of the Committee in having purchased a dwelling-house at Doffcocker
for a new Branch Store be confirmed.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, August 24th, 1899. — That we
purchase from Mrs. Catherine Brooks the house and shop situate in
Bradshaw Brow for a Butchering Department.
Committee Meeting, Monday, September nth, 1899. — That we
take on lease from Mr. F. H. Cartwright a plot of land on St. Helens
Road for a new Branch Store,
238 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Committee Meeting, Thursday, October 12th, 1899. — That we
purchase from Mr. E. Pilling the shop adjoining our Tonge Moor
Branch for a Shoe Department.
The Quarterly Meeting of members which was held in
the Co-operative Hall on August 7th, 1899, is interesting
from the fact that matters pertaining to the provision of
the Restaurant Department were discussed thereat. In
reply to a question with respect to the alterations necessary
for this department the Chairman (Mr. W. A. Hilton)
stated that it was intended to use the large cellar under the
grocery and provision shops, and make commodious and
well-arranged rooms with accommodation for about 160
persons. There would be a good entrance, and when
finished it would be second to none in Bolton.
Owing to the commercial scheme of the Technical
Instruction Committee being adopted, the Educational
Committee decided to transfer our classes in Bookkeeping
and Shorthand to them.
Mr. James M. Grindrod was elected as Chairman of the
Educational Committee at this time in place of Mr. Henry
Naylor, who retired from the Committee after having served
his full term.
Co-operative Society Limited. 239
CHAPTER XXXI.
1900.
Transvaal War Local Relief Fund Aided — 40;!^ Anniversary
— Resume of Society's Operations — A Record Year —
Trade Doubled — Ample Depreciations — Payments Made —
Vitality of Society — Doff cocker Old Shop Vacated — Pike's
Lane Shop Converted to Shoe Shop — Chequerbent Boundary
Settled — Death of Founder — Opening of New Restaurant^
Lis Main Features — President's Address — Department
Opened — Branch Growth — Check-taking Arrangements.
A PERUSAL of our Annual Reports for the past few
years reads like one long continuous boast, but our
progress during the time covered by the reports
makes boasting easy, and certainly justifiable.
At this time the members would easily notice from the
local papers that our Society subscribed ^10. los. to the
Transvaal War Local Relief Fund, and that subscription
boxes were placed on all the shop counters to receive any
small amount that the members might be generously
disposed to give. The employes were also making weekly
subscriptions to this fund, and for four weeks in succession
paid £b per week. The subscription boxes when opened
were found to contain £14. 6s. 8Jd., which was also added to
the fund. The two representatives of our Society (Mr.
Hilton and Mr. Pomfret), who had previously been made
members of the local Relief Committee, reported that the
fund was very wisely and judiciously distributed. There were
a large number of families in Bolton dependent on the fund
at this time, and they received nearly £60 weekly. It was
a feeling of pleasure to have had an opportunity of doing
something to add to the comfort of those women and
children who had suddenly become entirely dependent on
240 History of the Great and Little Bolton
the generosity of others through no fault of their own, but
because their breadwinners had been called to duty to fight
for their country.
The fortieth Anniversary of our Society was celebrated
under the most encouraging auspices on Saturday, February
17th, igoo. As usual, the tickets for tea were eagerly
sought after, and 1,100 were accommodated at the Bridge
Street Hall and the Spinners' HaU, special provision being
made at the latter place for 150 delegates and others who
had responded to the invitation of the Board of Management.
In the interval between the tea and concert many of the
delegates went over our premises, and others gathered in
the Temperance HaU..
The President of the Society (Mr. Hilton) occupied the
chair, and was supported by Mr. Pomfret (Secretary),
members of the Board of Management, and a number of
delegates.
The Chairman in his address said that some of the
delegates had come long distances to visit the Society and
see what it was doing, and he was glad to welcome them for
many reasons, especially because they never came at a time
when the Society was in a more flourishing state than it
was that day. In fact, it seemed that the Society only
made records to beat them.
Mr. Pomfret's report read as follows : —
To THE Members of the Bolton Co-operative Society. — In
my last report I urged upon you the necessity of making this, the
fortieth year of our existence, a record year. I am pleased to find
that your loyalty has exceeded all anticipations — that the sales for
the year amount to ^643,447, an increase of ;^62,48o over last year.
Our share capital has increased during the year by ;£43,847, and now
stands at /539,35i. After allowing ^16,684 for interest on shares
and deposits, £2,^61 for educational purposes, £2,^61 for bonus to
servants, £'i,7oS for depreciation of buildings, fixtures, and shares,
and adding £2,2y6 to our reserve funds, there remained £^0,^2(1 of
profit to be divided amongst our members. For the first quarter
we paid a dividend of 2s. lod. in the £, and for the three remaining
quarters we paid 2S. iid. dividend, after which there remained
^450 to carry forward to next year.
During the year one Butchering and three Grocery Branches
have been opened, all of which are doing a satisfactory business.
Co-operative Society Limited. 241
Ha\-ing thus very briefly given you an outline of our last year s
work, and seeing tliat we have now been in existence forty years, I
propose reviewing the Society from its commencement, showing
you exactly who and what we are, and what we are doing. Our
career has been one of uninterrupted success ; our trade has
steadily grown year by year, until at the end of forty years we show
an annual turnover of 1^643,447. This immense trade is just double
the amount of trade we did twelve years ago. We are now doing a
trade in one week of one and a quarter times the amount of business
done during the whole of the first year of our existence. The total
amount of business we have done during the past forty years
amounts to fyfo(>i,^y6, or nearly nine and three-quarter million
pounds. Our trade is carried on in seventy-five different depart-
ments. In addition to all our Central premises, we have thirty-six
Grocery Branches, twenty Butchering Branches, seven Boot and
Shoe Branches, a Coal Department, and a Milk Department. With
the exception of three small departments, the whole of our business
premises, including warehouses, bakery, stables, also horses and
carts, fixed stock, and trade utensils, are the property of the Society,
the total cost of which, including additions and improvements,
amounts to ;£i8i,204. Your Committee have always, with a view
to keeping the institution in a safe and sound condition, seen well to
depreciating these properties, and during the past forty years the
sum of ;f68,564 has been appropriated from the profits for that pur-
pose, leaving all your valuable properties to stand on your balance
sheet to-day at ;^i 12,540, or 38 per cent below their original cost.
In addition to this enormous cost for depreciation, the properties
have been kept in a first-class state of repair, for which a further
charge has been made on the profits to the tune of ^32,085. In other
words, we may say that, although your properties have been kept
equal to new and worth their original cost, they only figure on the
balance sheet at considerably below two-thirds of their original cost.
This is a splendid asset. We have another small and valuable
property which does not figure on the balance sheet at all, having
been totally wiped out by depreciation, namely, a telephone plant,
which cost £(>ifj. We have also forty coal wagons, which cost
^1,935, but which only stand on the balance sheet to-day at £i^ijTi.
The next department with which we have to deal — our Small
Savings Department — is one which answers a double purpose. It
is an object-lesson to our young children, demonstrating how that by
taking care of the pence they soon grow into pounds, and that pounds
accumulated create a feeling which all Englishmen so prize — a feeling
of security and independence. Again, the department is what
has rightly been termed a hotbed for Co-operators. A very large
number of the present members of our Society are people who, when
they were children, joined the Penny Bank, and as they grew up
became members of the Society. The department started twenty-
five years ago, and for a time was open on Saturday afternoons only,
a member of the Committee (Mr. Samuel Taylor) attending to
Q
242 History of the Great and Little Bolton
receive deposits. It, however, grew at such a rapid rate that after
a time it was found necessary to be open all the week through during
office hours. We have now 16,000 depositors in the department,
and their present savings amount to ;£20,922.
I have previously stated that we might fairly claim to be philan-
thropists. We are' subscribing annually to the Bolton Infirmary
;^ioo, and to the Bolton District Sick Nursing Association £50, and
smaller amounts to a number of other local and district charities.
Our total donations last year amounted to £307, and during the forty
years of our existence the sum total of £5,oo-i has been devoted to
charitable objects.
I trust I have placed our magnificent institution before you in
such a manner as to make you proud to belong to it, and to kindle in
your minds a desire to make it still more prosperous and useful. In
addition to the splendid assets I have described to you, we have
reserve and insurance funds amounting to ^^16,000. You will have
concluded that such a business as ours cannot be carried on without
a large staff of workpeople, and that we must be large employers of
labour. We now employ 763 persons, and our wages bill last year
amounted to /39,6i3. In addition to wages our servants received
a bonus on their labour, 2J per cent of the net profits being devoted
for that purpose. Last year ;^2,40i was dividend amongst the servants
in proportion to their wages. I very much doubt whether another
institution could be found which has had such a successful and
useful career as ours, and when we come to think that it was con-
ceived, built up, and matured by working men alone, and that they
by their savings, their efforts, and their intelligence have guided it
and brought it up to its high degree of excellence, we feel inspired to
renew our efforts and be determined that the Society shall grow to be
an astonishment to all beholders.
The assets grow yearly more valuable. For instance,
the business premises, which with slight exceptions are the
property of the Society, have been depreciated 38 per cent
below their original cost, a wise procedure which gives
greater stability to our business operations, and allows
extensions to proceed on a safe basis, and this expansion
keeps pace with the growth of the borough.
The following are the most interesting resolutions
recorded during the year 1900 : —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, May loth, 1900. — That the
premises we are vacating at Doffcocker be put back to their original
state.
Committee Meeting, Monday, July 23rd, 1900. — That we arrange
to transfer the business from our present Pike's Lane shop to the
new shop on Deane Road on Thursday, August 2nd.
Co-operalivc Society Limited. 243
That the shop we have just vacated in Pike's Lane be convened
into a shoe shop, and that Mr. Temperley be instructed to carry out
the work.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, September 27th, 1900. — A deputa-
tion from the Chequerbent Society waited upon the Committee with
reference to a boundary Hne between the two Societies. It was
resolved that representatives from the two Societies meet on the
spot to walk over the district and to report to a further meeting.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, November 8th, 1900. — That a
letter of condolence be sent to the widow of Mr. William Heys, who
was one of the founders of the Society.
OPENING OF THE NEW RESTAURANT, MAY 26th, 1900.
The eager and curious crowd of our members present at
the opening of the new Restaurant in Bow Street, on
Saturday, May 26th, 1900, was a signal proof of the interest
taken in the venture of our Society. It was a bold idea to
turn the dingy basement under the Grocery Department
into a Restaurant, but skill and capital are capable of
accomplishing marvellous results. At any rate, all were
gratified with the transformation which had taken place,
for under the supervision of our townsman, Mr. George
Temperley (Architect), we have now in what was a disused
portion of our premises an up-to-date Restaurant artistically
and comfortably arranged, and with every appliance that
matured experience suggests. The Restaurant is approached
by an entrance in Bow Street, the staircase being spacious
and easy, and leading into a hall. From there the large
dining-room is entered. On the left in the corner is a bar,
from which the urns will at any time of the day supply tea
or cocoa, and where a choice can be made of edible or other
refreshments. Adjoining the bar is most conveniently
situated a cutting-up or dishing room, which contains
steamers, hot plates, grills, and cutting-up tables. Under-
neath, as the land falls to the river bed, is the splendidly-fitted
kitchen, with its modern cooking range and aU accessories.
In connection with the kitchen is the scullery and larder.
A hoist communicates with the kitchen to the room above.
There is also a staircase which leads to it, and also a separate
244 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
entrance where stores can be received. Just beyond the
bar, still on the left hand, is the smokeroom, 34 feet by
15 feet, where the thirty gentlemen it can accommodate
may enjoy their " weed " in attractive surroundings, for
there is a fine mosaic floor and tile dado ; the woodwork is of
pitch pine varnished, and the chairs ranged round an open
liieplace make the room a cosy retreat. On the right of the
dining-room, close to the entrance, is the pay office, and just
beyond is a space, artistically screened, where ladies can
dine privately, if they desire. The rest of the room is open,
and, including the ladies' section, 150 persons can dine at
one time. Ladies' and gentlemen's lavatories are provided
in suitable positions, a convenience not available in many
restaurants, or if provided on a very inadequate scale.
Glazed leadlights have been used with an eye to attractive
effect. The Restaurant was put under the management of
Mr. H. Bray, who is an accomplished chef and restaurateur,
having had experience in Canada, Porstmouth, Liverpool,
and elsewhere.
It was intended to open the Restaurant, for business
after the inaugural proceedings, but, owing to an unforeseen
difficulty, that had to be postponed until June 2nd. As the
opening fell on the date when the Executive Meeting of the
Bolton and District Association of the Co-operative Union
met, the delegates were able to be present at the ceremony.
Promptly at three o'clock Mr. Hilton appeared at the
entrance, suppcfrted by several members of the Committee
of Management, members of the Educational Committee,
Mr. A. Hackney, J. P. (Manager), Mr. J. Pomfret (Secretary),
Mr. J. Worsley, J. P., and a number of visitors from
adjoining Societies. Mr. and Mrs. Temperley, with Mr.
Temperley, junior, were also present.
After the door had been unlocked, the crowd of spectators
streamed into the dining-room, and when the various
speeches — ^which were heartily received — had been made,
an inspection was made, each visitor on leaving receiving a
sample tin case of biscuits given by the Co-operative
Wholesale Society, and the case also served as a useful
memento of the interesting occasion.
CENTRAL PREMISES,
tTomprising Large Hall, Grocery and Confectionery Departments,
with Restaurant in Basement.
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 247
president's address.
At the call of the Chairman, Mr. Hilton rose and was
cordially received. He said that was a sort of unique
position for him to occupy. He had received a most
beautiful gift, and had had the honour of unlocking the
door of the Restaurant. He wished to tell the friends from
other Societies, as well as their own members, that the
transformation of the old basement into that beautiful
restaurant had received the most careful consideration of
the Committee of Management. The Committee had
several meetings before they determined that the trans-
formation should take place. The cost of what he might
term their new premises would be about £3,400 or £3,500,
and they would be asked to inspect the various rooms and
cooking kitchen, after which they could pass judgment
whether the money had been spent well.
The sum of £3,400 might seem a large amount, but it
was available at 3 per cent, and the yearly charge for interest
was much below what would be charged as rent in the
centre of the town for such premises as are now at our
disposal. It has been evident for several years that the
Restaurant Department of our operations would have to
be placed on a fresh basis — either more or less business
would have to be catered for. Those who constantly use
restaurants demand premises easy of access, prompt service,
and food tastefully cooked. If the surroundings are
bright and cheery all the better. If to this can be added
the luxury of a smokeroom then indeed it is a desirable
restaurant. It is admitted that the restaurant in Bridge
Street did not comply with all these requirements, and
the Committee of Management wisely and courageously
grappled with the problem, and decided to have a business
on a larger scale. The enterprise is on the lines of the
policy which our Society so far has, on the whole, pursued
with striking success. So soon as one branch of operations
has been put on a satisfactory footing, a venture on a small
scale has been made with another, and as experience has
been gained there has been a corresponding development.
Therefore the success of the new Restaurant was looked
248 History of the Great and Little Bolton
forward to, and now at the Jubilee time we find that all
expectations have been fully realised. The Restaurant was
patronised from the start even beyond expectations. It was
the means of making useful a portion of the premises which
was very much dilapidated, and now adds very considerably
to the receipts. It is a great convenience to members who
come from the outskirts into the town shopping, and, in
addition to the facilities and conveniences offered, all
members who care to use it may benefit by it as a refresh-
ment room and a resting-place.
During the year a Branch Grocery and Provision
Department was opened on Belmont Road, Sweetloves,
and a Branch Boot and Shoe Department on Tonge Moor
Road, both of which are doing a satisfactory business.
The old No. 9 Branch on Deane Road was closed as a
Grocery and Provision shop, and a new and more up-to-date
shop was built a little higher up the road, and opened in
its stead. The old shop was remodelled and opened as a
Branch Boot and Shoe shop. Land was also secured and
plans adopted for a new Branch Store in Deane Church Lane,
and the work of erection proceeded with at once so that an
early opening might be effected. The Committee also had
two other plots in view on opposite sides of the town.
An enormous crush was the usual experience in the
General Office on the last two days in each quarter, on
account of so many persons not bringing in their checks
until the last moment. To obviate this difficulty branches
were opened in all quarters of the town for check taking,
and the members now have a better service offered them.
If they only took advantage of it by leaving their checks
there, or coming to the Office earlier in the week, they would
reduce the risk of mistake to a minimum, and save theni-
selves^ and assist to save others, the very great inconvenience
of waiting and crushing.
Co-operative Society Limited. 249
CHAPTER XXXII.
1901.
Painting Department Started — Death of the Queen — Mr.
Thomasson's Offer of a Reading-room — Land Taken for
Dobson Road Store — Death of Mr. Charles Ditchfield —
Assistant Shop Inspector Appointed — Bank Top Store
Opened — Tripe Works Bought — Erection of Stables —
Death of Mr. Walter Vickers — Amalgamation with Eagley
Society Proposed — St. James's School Bought — How Used
— Educational Secretary's Report — Classes — Work of the
Department.
CHE exceptionally good increases of the previous year
and the generally good outlook for this fully
warranted an increase of business in other directions.
Accordingly arrangements were considered which had for
their object the starting of a Painting Department, so that
not only the shops could be painted, but work for the
members also undertaken. The resolutions relating to this
matter are : —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, January 3rd, 1901. — That we
have a special meeting on Friday, the nth inst., re the question of
starting a Painting Department.
That arrangements be made for entering into the painting and
decorating business, and that we advertise for a competent man to
manage the department.
Committee Meeting, Wednesday, January 23rd, 1901. — The
remainder of the time of this meeting was spent in reading through
part of the apphcations for the position of Manager of our Painting
Department.
This department was started and a Manager appointed
to give estimates for beautifying and decorating the property
of members. All materials used in this department were
of the best, the workmanship guaranteed, and prices
reasonable.
250 History of the Great and Little Bolton
At a meeting of the Committee of Management of the
Society on Wednesday, January 23rd, 1901, it was decided
that a letter be sent as from this Society to the King and the
Royal Family expressing our sorrow at the death of Her
Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, and our sympathy with
the bereaved. The following is a copy of the letter which
was sent to His Majesty the King : —
32, Bridge Street, Bolton.
To the King's Most Excellent Majesty.
Sire, — We, your most loyal subjects, the Directors, officials,
and 26,000 members of the Great and Little Bolton Co-operative
Society Limited, learn with profound regret of the death of our most
illustrious, noble, and gracious Queen, Victoria, and desire to tender
to you and to the Royal Family our heartfelt sympathy with you in
your bereavement and very great affliction. Her reign has been the
most illustrious the world has ever known ; her reign has been felt
in every corner of the earth. We pray that Almighty God may
give you health and strength to follow in her steps, and that you may
guide the destinies of our great empire in the manner which we, in
this present generation, recognise to have been the means of bringing
us up to be the greatest, the most influential for good, and the most
powerful empire that ever was.
I remain,
With the profoundest veneration, Sire,
Your Majesty's most faithful subject and dutiful servant,
Joseph Pomfret, ' Secretary of the Society.
The address was beautifully engrossed on vellum in suitable
colours.
Another resolution was adopted at the Committee
Meeting, Monday, January 28th, 1901 : —
That on account of the Queen's funeral the whole of our premises
be closed all day on Saturday, February 2nd, and that they remain
open until 10 o'clock on the Friday evening.
A proposal was made to the Educational Committee by
a Bolton gentleman that he should build a reading-room in
a poor district of the town, provided with separate rooms
for men and women, provided also with baths, and lit by
electric light, heated by hot water, and provision made for
the caretaker to live on the premises. He also offered to
supply the papers. The room was to be open to the public
Co-operative Society Limited. 251
on conditions agreed upon, as well as to members of the
Co-operative Society. The Educational Committee were
asked to take the management of the room and to pay the
wages of the caretaker. As this was a new departure the
following resolution was submitted to the members : " That
the Educational Committee be empowered to take the
management of such room, and contribute towards its
maintenance by paying the wages of the caretaker." The
result of this action was that the members at the Monthly
Meeting, Monday, January 7th, 1901, adopted the following
resolution : —
Mr. J. P. Thomasson having offered to build, furnish, and main-
tain a Public Reading-room and Baths in Crompton Street, Bolton,
and to hand the same over to our Educational Department, the
Society to be free from all costs except caretaker's wages, it was
resolved that the Society accept Mr. Thomasson's offer, and that a
letter be sent to him thanking him for his generosity.
The arrangement for the taking on of the Thomasson
Co-operative Reading-room was finally consummated in
the following resolution : —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, July i8th, 1901. — That the seal
of the Society be fixed to an indenture made between John P.
Thomasson of the one part and this Society of the other part, being
a lease ol the buildings and premises intended to be called " The
Thomasson Co-operative Reading-room," situate in Crompton
Street, Bolton.
The provision of a Branch Store on Dobson Road next
engaged attention, and the following resolutions were
adopted relating thereto : —
Committee Meeting, Friday, January nth, igoi. — That we take
on lease from Mr. W. H. Lever a piece of land on Dobson Road for
a new Branch Store.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, February 14th, 1901. — That the
plans submitted by the Architect for a new Branch Store on Dobson
Road be approved.
The matter was finally brought to a conclusion by a
resolution at the Committee Meeting, Thursday, March 28th,
igoi ; —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, March 28th, 1901. — That the
Secretary do sign on behalf of the Society an agreement made between
252 History of the Great and Little Bolton
William H. Lever on the one part and this Society of the other part,
being an agreement for the lease of a plot of building land situate in
Gilnow Park, Bolton.
Mr. Charles Ditchfield, who had been connected with
the Society since 1866, first as a clerk for five years, and
finally as cashier for thirty years, died on March 19th, 1901.
During that long period he filled his post with satisfaction
to both the members of the Society and the Committee.
During his tenure of office the Society grew from a small
concern to a gigantic institution, and his death severed one
of the connecting links between the present and the past.
It appears that he contracted a cold some weeks previously,
which developed into an attack of bronchitis. As he was
going home on Saturday, March i6th, he fell when leaving
the tramcar. Being assisted home he got to bed, and the
family expected he would be all right in a day or two, but
he gradually grew worse, and died on the Tuesday morning.
An inquest was held on the following Thursday, and after
hearing the evidence the jury returned the following
verdict : "That the deceased died from heart failure and
bronchitis, hastened by the fall from the car." Resolutions
of sympathy were adopted and forwarded to the family,
and the following resolutions entered upon the minutes : —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, March 21st, 1901. — That a letter
of condolence be sent from this Committee to the widow and family
of our late Cashier (Mr. Ditchfield), and that the Committee and
officials be represented at the funeral.
Monthly Meeting, Monday, April ist, 1901. — At the commence-
ment of this meeting the Chairman referred to the death of our late
Cashier (Mr. Ditchfield) and to his long and faithful service to the
Society. The members, rising in their places, requested that the
sympathy of the meeting be forwarded to his widow and family.
Owing to the increase in the number of shops an Assistant
Shop Inspector and Cash Collector became necessary, and
the resolutions relating to this appointment are as follows : —
Committee Meeting, Wednesday, April 3rd, 1901. — That, owing
to the largely increased number of our Branches, an Assistant Cash
Collector and Shop Inspector be appointed, and that applications be
confined to grocery and provision shop managers only.
The matter relating to the appointment of Assistant
Shop Inspector was further considered at the Committee
Co-operative Society Limited. 253
Meeting, April nth, 1901, and was finally arranged as
follows : —
That Mr. James Wallbank be appointed Assistant Cash Collector.
That an additional horse and trap be provided for the Assistant
Cash Collector, and that Messrs. Copple Bros, and Mr. S. Gordon, of
Bolton, and Messrs. Slack, of Manchester, be asked to tender for the
same.
At this meeting also a resolution was adopted to pur-
chase the Tripe Works which we at present use. This is
recorded as follows : —
That we purchase from Mr. Robert A. Hilton the tripe boiling
works. No. 4, Back Derby Street.
Provision was also made at this meeting for an extension
at Bank Top by the following resolution :—
That we take on lease from Messrs. Henry Ashworth and Sons
for a period of twelve months the shop at Bank Top, Sharpies,
for a Branch Store.
This shop was opened on May 17th, and is still used
to-day, and is becoming increasingly useful in that out-of-
the-way village.
The question of the provision of Convalescent Homes
for Co-operators coming prominently to the front at this
period of the Society's history, the following resolution was
adopted in connection therewith : —
Committee Meeting, April 22nd, 1901. — That we appoint Mr.
H. H. Brownlow to represent this Society on the Committee
appointed to consider the question of Convalescent Homes for the
North Wales Section.
Owing to the number of horses increasing, and the
necessity to make provision for a still further increase, the
need of further stable accommodation became an imperative
necessity. This was met and provided for in the way
recorded in the subjoined resolutions : —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, March 20th, 1901. — That arrange-
ments be made at once to proceed with the erection of the stables in
All Saints' Street.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, May i6th, 1901. — That we
arrange to build new stables on the top side of the yard in All Saints'
Street, and that Mr. Temperley be given an order to prepare plans
for the same.
254 Gi'^^t and Little BoUon Co-operative Sociely Limited.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, June 6th, igoi. — That we approve
of the plans submitted for new stables to be built in All Saints'
Street, and that Messrs. Atherton, Cunliffe, Marsden, Page, Dawson,
Maginnis, Tyson, Mosley, and Halliwell be asked fo tender for same.
One of the few survivors of the pioneers of the Society
passed away in the person of Mr. Walter Vickers, who died
on Wednesday, July loth, at the home of one of his sons,
aged 59 years. Mr. Vickers was one of the pioneers of the
Society who took an active interest in the meetings which
led up to the formation of this Society, and was one of
its first members. He was also the moving spirit in the band
of the devoted Little Bolton members who trudged up to the
Derby Street shop with their handcart and brought back
with them their groceries, which they finally divided at their
homes according to their orders. Mr. Vickers was one of
those who took his turn with the handcart as the week-ends
came round. He also was a moving spirit in the agitation
which resulted in a Store being started in Little Bolton,
Manor Street, within three months of the start of the Society.
At an early period of the Society's history the Offices were
held in a room in Acresfield, and it was during the time that
business was transacted at Acresfield that Mr. Vickers was
first elected a member of the Committee of Management.
By his death the Society lost an earnest and consistent
worker, and the members of the Society joined with the
Committee of Management in their vote of sympathy to
his family, which was passed at the Quarterly Meeting,
Monday, August 5th, igoi : —
That letters of sympathy be sent to the famiUes of the late Mr.
Walter Vickers and the late Dr. Scowcroft, late Mayor of Bolton.
The members of the Eagley Society having approached
the Committee of the Bolton Society on the question of
amalgamation, the following resolution relating thereto was
entered on the books : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, August 5th, 1901. — That we can-
not recommend our members to accept the terms of the Eagley
Society with reference to the question of amalgamation.
The old Infants' School of St. James' in Waterloo
Street having come into the market for sale, the Committee
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 257
of Management decided to purchase it and adapt the
building to the requirements of a Branch Store in that
neighbourhood, a decision which they promptly acted upon,
and the transactions relating thereto are recorded in the
following resolutions : —
Committee Meeting, November 4th, 1901. — That we purchase
for the price named the premises known as the St. James' Infant
School, with the object of converting the same into a Branch
Store.
Committee Meeting, Tuesday, February i8th, 1902. — That the
School premises in Waterloo Street be converted into a Branch Store
and three dwelUng-houses ; that Mr. Temperley be given instructions
to prepare plans for the necessary alterations.
f
The Educational Secretary's report on a year's educa-
tional work, which was given at the distribution of prizes
obtained by the students attending the classes promoted
by the Educational Committee in the Large Hall on Wednes-
day, September 25th, 1901, is interesting. It reads : —
According to the usual custom it is my duty to report on the past
year's work of the Educational Department, and the task is a very
pleasant one, as it is a record of continued success. It is now nearly
thirty years since classes were taken up as a part of the department's
work. At that time Science Classes were held at the Church and the
Mechanics' Institutes. The classes were few in number and the fees
high, in addition to which a membership fee had to be paid. The
effect of these charges was to exclude a large number of the working
people. The opening of Science Classes at low fees, without any
payment for membership, tended to make these classes popular. A
short time afterwards classes in cotton spinning and weaving were
added to the list with great success. When the Technical School
was organised the classes in technical subjects were handed over to
its care, and, later, the Science and Commercial Classes, but the
interest of the Co-operative Society is still shown in these classes by
the payment of half fees to members, or children of members, who
make not less than 80 per cent of the total attendances in the sub-
jects taken up. The number of students assisted during the past
session was 542, an increase of forty-five over last year, the amount
paid being I&5. i6s. gd., an increase of ^3. 5s. gd. on the previous
session.
That there is still a need for classes for women is shown by the
great demand for the limited number of places that our Society is
able to offer. Last session classes were held : — In cookery, two ;
dressmaking, seven ; laundry work, two ; millinery, seven ; and
singing, two. The practical part of each subject is taught as far as
possible, thus making the classes of real use to the students. By
258 History of the Great and Little Bolton
arrangement with the Turton Technical Instruction Gjmmittee
classes were held at Harwood in dressmaking, horticulture, and
shorthand, and at Belmont in dressmaking.
The Central and Eleven Branch Reading-rooms have been
fully maintained with a large supply of daily, weekly, and monthly
papers, and have afforded relaxation to a very large number of
persons. Notwithstanding the opening of the Branch rooms, such
as those on Halliwell and Chorley Old Roads, the Central room is
often crowded, more space being urgently required to provide for
the needs of our increasing membership.
The Lending Library still leads the way, being the most used of
any library in the town. The issues for the year ending September
show an increase over the preceding year.
A New Experiment. — That is that, as we have held Children's
Classes in " Co-operation " at the Central, so we are on the point of
trying the experiment in the out-districts. This experiment has
been, I need hardly say, an unqualified success in the five districts
in which they have held their classes. No fewer than 200 have
presented themselves, and of those who sat at the examination 80
per cent passed. This reflects great credit on all the children.
While it is difficult sometimes to get hold of adult members, the
children come to us in swarms.
r^^
JV
Co-operative Society Limited. 259
CHAPTER XXXiri.
1902.
House Purchasers Warned — Jerry Built Property Condemned
— Higher Class Houses Advocated — Exhibition of Co-
operative Productions Opened — Speech of Mr. Harwood —
Co-operation a Golden Bridge — Dream On — Stigar Tax —
Vicar of Bolton on the Germ of Co-operative Production —
^znd Anniversary — Secretary's Report — Thomasson Co-
operative Reading-room Opened — Description of Building
— King's Coronation Gifts — Milk Cooling Apparatus
Obtained — Fire at the Drapery Store — Special Committee
Meeting Resolutions — Plans for Rebuilding — Central
Extension — Starting Drapery Department After Fire —
Children's Festival Started — Educational Minutes.
CHIS year was a most trying year in many respects,
but each trial was only a further call on the reserve
sources of strength which are ever latent when not
required, and only appear when the necessity becomes fuUy
apparent and realised.
A warning to intending buyers of houses was given by
Mr. Crossley at the Concert which was held on January 15th,
1902.
The President of the Society (Mr. Crossley) said that one
of the most important social questions which had been
agitated for the last thirty years was that known as the
housing question. With that was associated the land
question, for the conditions on which land was held were
responsible very largely for the circumstances under which
people had to live in our large towns and cities, so far as
their dwellings were concerned. Even those who gave
casual attention to the subject were aware that one great
effect of the condition of land tenure in this country was the
migration of the population of our villages into the large
cities and towns, with the result that there was great over-
crowding. This brought in its train the evils of high house
26o History of the Great and Little Bolton
rent and low wages. They were aware that in connection
with our great Society there was a Building Department.
Of its utility he need not speak, because they were already
weU informed concerning it, but when he mentioned the fact
that the Society had invested in cottage property in and out
of Bolton on mortgage the enormous sum of upwards of
£280,000 they would have some idea of the part the Society
was playing with respect to this important question of the
housing of the people. It was very gratifying, when the
Bishop of Wakefield came to the town under the auspices
of the United Trades Council, to hear Alderman Nicholson,
the ex-Mayor, speak in very high terms with respect to the
usefulness of our Building Department. He was quite sure
that not only those who heard him, but also those who read
the speech in the newspaper, would be highly pleased that a
man in Alderman Nicholson's position recognised the noble
efforts our Society was making in reference to this housing
question. Though these gratifying remarks had been
made, he (the speaker) was not quite sure that he was
altogether satisfied. Of course, he was pleased that the
members were taking advantage of the Building Department,
and had a desire to get a house of their own to live in, a
house which they could beautify according to the intelli-
gence and taste they possessed, and so be comfortable and
happy in their own house. There were, however, things
transpiring in connection with the building of property in
the town which called for him, as President of the Society,
to give a warning and to speak very plainly. What he
had to say was with regard to property — chiefly in the
suburbs of the town — ^which ranged in price from £12^ to
£300. Property above the latter figure was excellent in
construction. People who visited other towns and com-
pared the property which was going up in this town and
the property they saw there must see the difference.
What kind of property was being built ? In the class of
property he referred to no foundations were made, the
bricks being placed on the ground, and the building
practically " thrown up.'' The houses had a frontage
of 12 to 15 feet, and the partition walls were 9 inches
thick except where the fireplace was. The partition wall
Co-operative Society Limited. 261
was run up 3 feet beyond the first ceiling, the rest being
laths and plaster to the second ceiling. The joists were from
2 inches to 2\ inches square, and the floors if boarded had
in them unseasoned timber not tongued or grooved. The
doors, window frames, and skirting boards were of
unseasoned timber ; and likewise the cupboards, all of which
were left in an unfinished state. If such property was being
put up while the housing question was being discussed,
it looked as if the next generation were going to suffer as
well as this. It was very discouraging to see such buildings
allowed, and some public protest ought to be made to the
authorities of the town, a protest that might lead to the
prevention of the evil. If the authorities had not powers
to deal with the builders. Parliament should be approached
in order that the municipality should have the power to
prevent the erection of such property as was now being
constructed in the suburbs of Bolton. He called attention
to these matters, as the members of the Society should
be put upon their guard, and refuse to purchase such
property. When a person intended to buy a house, what
had he to do ? First of all, he thought of the price ; then
he ascertained the amount of the assessment so as to be able
to get at the amount of the rates ; he thought then of the
ground rent, and the amount to be allowed for depreciation.
He was told by those who owned the property that the
amount they reckoned for depreciation was £1 per annum,
but such sum did not meet the depreciation for such property
as he had alluded to. Indeed, it took double that sum to
keep it in respectable repair. A great burden thus came upon
the purchaser, for the property, instead of yielding 6 per
cent, only gave 4 per cent or less, making people chary of
investing in property. Was it not true that they sought to
promote each others' interest ? He was thankful that they
had a right to combine, and he hoped they would combine
and not be at rest until they had arrived at some method
by which the many evils arising from the land system would
be remedied, and they could have houses in which they
might live in comfort and happiness.
On Saturday, January 25th, 1902, an Exhibition of
Co-operative Productions was formally opened in the Drill
262 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Hall, Silverwell Street, by Mr. George Harwood, M.P.
The spacious hall never had a more attractive appearance.
Every available inch of space was occupied by stands and
exhibits of the most diverse character. All that was shown
was of interest and instruction, demonstrating what had
been accomplished on the productive side of Co-operation,
and pointing to still further possibilities in this direction
for the future.
The Inaugural Ceremony took place in the presence of a
large assembly. Indeed, before the close of the proceedings
the vast hall was thronged in every part left unoccupied
by the stands and goods by an enthusiastic crowd of
listeners and sightseers. Mr. Thomas Crossley (President,
Bolton Co-operative Society) was in the chair. He was
supported by the members of the Committee of Management
and the Educational Committee, by the principal officials
of the Society, deputations from other towns, and by
leaders in the Co-operative Union and of the Wholesale
Society.
The Chairman said it was evident to that great audience
that the promoters of the Exhibition had not lost sight of
the great ideal that the first pioneers of the Co-operative
movement conceived — that was the productive ideal. It
would be futile on his part to explain this ideal at the
moment ; he would only say that not only the old pioneers
of the movement but the leaders of the movement to-day
had great hopefulness and confidence that the ideal would
be ultimately realised. So far as the distributive ideal was
concerned there was no doubt of success. That Exhibition
would in itself show how they were justified in the possi-
bilities of Co-operative production. It was an object-lesson
for all. He had great pleasure in introducing to his hearers
the junior member for Bolton.
Mr. Harwood was received with cheers. He explained
at the outset that he did not appear that afternoon in any
political capacity whatever. Co-operation was one of those
movements that happily needed no party. A member of
Parliament might be looked upon from two points of view.
Of course, he was not interesting from either. But, first,
he might be regarded as a person sent to the House of
Co-operative Society Limited. 263
Commons to carry out the policy of a certain political
party. In another sense he was more or less a public official.
There were many things that came before the House of
Commons and before a member of Parliament that had
nothing to do with party, and, therefore, for the time being,
he regarded himself in this second capacity. Might he
further say that from a party point of view he would like
to borrow a hint from them as Co-operators ? He belonged
to a party that just now was sadly wanting the quality of
co-operation ; and if he could have brought some of his
colleagues with him that day perhaps they would have
■learned a lesson that might have been not only for their
own advantage, but possibly for the advantage of the
country also. But he would not dweU upon this. He would
rather say he appeared not as a member of Parliament, but as
one who had been in touch with Co-operation for, possibly,
a longer time than the majority of people in that hall.
He had always felt an intense interest in the Co-operative
movement, not because he was particularly concerned with
the wonderful profits that were made, but because he was
deeply stirred by the great principles working themselves
out in this movement, and he did see in it — he saw twenty-
five years ago — great possibilities of infinitely more
importance to the people of this country than the produc-
tion of mere monetary profits. It might be said, and had
been said, in regard to Co-operation, that it had fallen from
the high estate to which it was born. He knew that Tom
Hughes in his later days — ^like he (Mr. Harwood) supposed
all of us in our later days — rather gave himself up to
grumbling and disappointment than to joy and exhilaration.
He told him just before he died that he thought he (Tom
Hughes) was wrong, and he thought so still, because, after
all, every great movement seemed somehow to disappoint
the ideals formed at the onset. The great movements of
religion, of social progress, and of literature, for instance,
seemed to faU short of their ideal. Like the way of the tides,
they rose for a while and then went back. And they said the
tide was going back, but it was only to gather strength for a
new forward movement. So he thought it was with Co-
operation. He did not want to flatter them, but he would
264 History of the Great and Little Bolton
say that after a long experience of life he felt sure that
Co-operation was likely to carry out its ideal and promises
in the future more largely than any other movement with
which he was acquainted. It was said very often that
Co-operation had dealt a severe blow at shopkeepers. Well,
on both sides his blood belonged to the shopkeeping class,
and his sympathies were with them. He thought they owed
a great deal to the shopkeepers for decorating the streets.
He was pleased to think that the old idea among workmen
that there was only so much work to be had was passing or
had passed away. Co-operation itself was assisting the
purchasing strength of the people, many of whom were
becoming purchasers of a great variety of things they never
would have purchased before. The consequence was that,
while Co-operation had increased by leaps and bounds,
shops had gone on increasing also. There was no manifest
diminution in them. Of course, shopkeepers grumbled.
We aU grumbled. But, looking at the outward signs in
Bolton, he would say the spread of Co-operation had done
no harm to the shopkeeping class. It had increased the
general prosperity of the community, and surely every class
in a community benefited by a general increase of prosperity.
Co-operation had done something more, and they should
recognise it on an occasion like that. It had taught the
working classes of England one invaluable lesson, namely,
the lesson to pay ready money. He was talking the other
day wifh a pawnbroker in Bolton, and, of course, he was
complaining, like everybody else, about the badness of
trade. Now, he (Mr. Harwood) was rejoicing because
pawnbroking was bad. In fact, he said he was looking
forward to the extinction of the pawnbroking business,
and he told the person to whom he was speaking that
he must not suppose he meant to shed any crocodUe
tears about the decay of pawnbroking. He said he
could point out the reason for this decay, but his friend
said that he could not understand it, whereupon he told the
pawnbroker that it was owing to the advance of Co-opera-
tion. The people had learned to pay ready money. They
were ceasing to be one week behind, and so escaped the
pawnbrokers. Yes, the very fact that they, as Co-operators,
Co-operative Society Limited. 265
had brought up the one week had done a great deal for
self-respect for the working classes of Bolton, and for the
power of standing up for what they thought was right.
This was an enormous advantage. Co-operation had dis-
seminated among great numbers of the people business
knowledge and business habits such as they had never had
before. One of their active of&cials was formerly a skip-
maker in his employ, and was an instance, among many,
of what had happened through men in private employ
learning business habits through contact with Co-operation.
So in other centres of Co-operation men had grown up with a
knowledge of business, and of its difhculties and trials, such
as they would not otherwise have possessed, and it had
made them more sympathetic with business people in
general. He believed, too, that Co-operation was a golden
bridge, to which they must look for a better understanding
between employers and employed. He had been in many
foreign countries, and he saw people divided into two
strictly-drawn classes — employers and employed — not
understanding one another's difficulties. In England,
however, they did not see much of this, because there had
grown up a middle class, by which employers and employes
in an individual and collective sense had learned the difficul-
ties and trials that attended them, and how to better
understand the problems of trade. Co-operation had, too,
been a valuable contribution to the social life of the country,
and he beUeved that in future days it would be reckoned as
having done a great deal to promote much that is best in
the business life of England. Then Co-operative production
appealed to him in a special way. It went in the direction
of solving a great social problem in the future. We in this
country had passed through one stage of industrial tran-
sition. We had passed through the stage when workpeople
were slaves to the stage when workpeople were employes.
Before, however, we reached a satisfactory position of things
we had to pass through the stage in which workpeople are
employed to the stage in which they are partners, and in
which they can reap personal interest and benefit from what
is done. This was a problem of which he often dreamt.
He knew something of Co-operative Productive Societies, and
266 History of the Great and Little Bolton
he was certain they had done something in that they had
done good to their workpeople by paying the very highest
standard of wages, and gave the very best conditions of
labour. If they could bring everybody up to this level they
would have gone a long way, and made enormous advances
on what had prevailed. They would, too, be able to move
a little further. He believed he saw in their Society, even
with its drawbacks — and what had not drawbacks ? — and in
the Co-operative movement greater possibilities for working
out this problem than, practically, in any other Society he
knew. Therefore he had come to that Hall with the greatest
pleasure, and not least so because it carried him back to the
dreams of his youth, and with still more pleasure because it
brought to him the hopes, aspirations, and desires of his old
age. Might he say to them that Co-operators, amidst all
their calculations of profits, amidst all those wonderful
accounts of turnover, amidst all that mass of figures which
he saw sometimes showing the business and the work they
did, not to give up dreaming. Dreams were not idle, dreams
had served the world. Remember that in the Grand Old
Book the most real, practical person who appeared in it
was greeted by the remark : " Behold, the dreamer cometh."
So he said to them : " Dream on whilst you are working
with all your hard-headed practical sense. Still dream on
of better things, of a wider application of your principles,
of a more perfect vindication of Co-operation."
Mr. John Shillito (Chairman, Enghsh Wholesale Society)
moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Harwood for coming amongst
them that day. Like Mr. Harwood, he remembered the
difference between the condition of things to-day and of
many years ago, when, before Co-operation had spread,
people were so often " a week behind," and sometimes
more. He rejoiced to know how, amid the falling off of trade
in the country last year. Co-operation went on increasing,
and peace and contentment were found so broadcast
throughout the land, and that notwithstanding the addi-
tional burdens the Government thought proper to put upon
the working classes. He might name one burden — that of
nearly Jd. per lb. on sugar. This article of food was so cheap
that the tax had not been felt, but when he told them of
Co-operative Society Limited. 267
the £5,000,000 sterling the Chancellor of the Exchequer
hoped to raise by the extra Jd. per lb., nearly one-tenth
part, or £500,000, fell upon a Society — the Wholesale — with
which they, Co-operators, were so closely identified, they
would see what it meant to them.
Mr. A, Hackney, J. P., briefly seconded the motion.
Mr. J. C. Gray (Secretary to the Co-operative Union and
Chairman of the Exhibition Committee of that body)
supported.
Mr. W. Lander was called to the chair at this point.
Introducing the new Vicar of Bolton, he expressed his
pleasure because the reverend gentleman was associating
himself thus early with them, with a movement that made
for the improvement of the mass of the people.
The Rev. H. Henn, who, by the way, made his first
public appearance after his induction at the Exhibition,
and who created a favourable impression among his hearers,
moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Crossley for his occupancy
of the chair. To preside over the .affairs of some 27,000
persons was an important office indeed. It gave him (the
speaker) hearty pleasure to see all those evidences of the
work done by the Societies interested in Co-operative
production. He had long been familiar with the good work
done by the distributive Societies, and, like Mr. Harwood,
he had felt for a very long time that there was great hope
for English industries, great promise for them in the germ —
for it was only up to the present a germ — of the Co-operative
productive movement. Mr. Henn touched on the good
work done by Co-operators in a part of Ireland, the West,
with which he was very familiar, and said how advantageous
this had been not only to the people in the West of Ireland
themselves, but also to purchasers on this side of the water.
Mr. H. H. Brownlow seconded in a few well-chosen
sentences.
42ND Anniversary, igo2.
The forty-second Anniversary of our Society, which was
celebrated on February 15th, 1902, seemed to be as eagerly
anticipated as ever. Over 1,400 were accommodated to tea
at the Co-operative Hall, St. George's Road Congregational
268 History of the Great and Little Bolton
School, and Victoria Hall, and in the Spinners' Hall the
members of the Board and the Educational Committee,
delegates from a large number of Societies, with invited
guests, assembled.
Mr. Crossley (President of the Society), in the name of
the General Board and of the Society, gave all a welcome to
that annual gathering. It was with feelings of great
gratification that he did so, owing to the position of the
Society. One of the factors of the increased trade was, he
believed, the higher dividend. He mentioned that because
the Secretary in his report very advisedly suggested that a
3s. dividend was as high as the Society should pay. If,
however, the members would give increased support the
Board of Management would be able to retail goods at a
reduced cost, which would perhaps meet the requirements
much better.
The report of the Secretary (Mr. Joseph Pomfret) was
taken as read, but, as there are a few interesting features in
it apart from the usual compilation of figures, we extract a
few of them : —
To the Members of the Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
It has been my privilege for a, number of years past to report
progress on what we in Bolton are proud to term one of the most
successful institutions in the world. Year by year we have been
enabled to report satisfactory increases, and this year is no exception
to the rule. It is most fitting, and I am sure you will be gratified
to learUj that our trade for this, the first year of the twentieth
century, has so increased as to easily exceed the enormous sum of
three-quarters of a million pounds. It is also fitting that the first
year of the twentieth century should herald in a 3s. dividend. As
was anticipated when we departed from the old-established 2s. gd.
dividend, a large increase of trade has followed, and it is the largely
increased trade which has brought about the increase in dividend,
as the extra trade has been worked without any corresponding
increase in expenditure. I think you will agree that the dividend has
now reached such a figure as we cannot reasonably expect to go
beyond, and that if it is to be maintained we must have the entire
confidence and support of all our members.
Thomasson Co-operative Reading-room. — Opening
Ceremony.
Wednesday evening, April 30th, 1902, saw the opening
of the Thomasson Co-operative Reading-room in Charles
Co-operative Society Limited. 269
Street, a locality well known to old Boltonians. The
Thomasson Gymnasium on Folds Road has become one of
the recognised institutions of the town, and many hundreds
of our youth of both sexes have benefited in, their bodily
strength by the thoughtful generosity of Mr. John P.
Thomasson, one of the greatest and kindliest benefactors
to youth ever known in the history of Bolton. On the
playground adjoining the Gymnasium hundreds of the
children of East Ward, one of the most thickly populated
wards in the borough, have found enjoyment and health.
Not content with the sound body only, Mr. Thomasson has
conceived the idea of helping the minds of the young and
all the people of the neighbourhood, and near the
Gymnasium has built a Reading-room with the front to
Charles Street, a street of many old cottage homes. His
idea has been to bring near the homes of the people, in
comfortable and well-lighted rooms, the best newspapers
and current literature of the day, and make these rooms
pleasant and attractive both for men and women. Well-
managed places being necessary for the people, and the
work of the Co-operative Society having struck Mr. Thomas-
son as being very successful in this direction, he invited the
Educational Committee of the Society to undertake the
management of these premises.
Among the old cottages the new building has a striking
appearance, characteristic of its purpose. Much care was
taken to make the design bright, and yet homely looking,
and that this idea has been achieved is evidenced by
the criticism of a woman who lived in one of the cottages
near by. She had taken great interest in the building, and
when the hoarding was down said, " It makes me feel as
though I were living on Chorley New Road." Separate
entrances are arranged for both men and women, and over
the doorways the names are marked. These entrances are
broad and inviting, and from the vestibules access is obtained
to the rooms. On the ground floor are the men's rooms.
The first room is the large reading-room. An arched way
with glazed screen leads to the smoking and games room.
Here games can be played, and round the fire talks indulged
in, which will be tempered by the soothing effects of the
270 History of the Great and Little Bolton
pipe. Upstairs the women's rooms are even nicer than the
men's, the arched bay window and the general appoint-
ments being very picturesque. The internal design has
been made quiet and artistic, but special interest has been
given to the various details, and there is no undue elabora-
tion of any part. Quiet and harmonious colours prevail
in the decoration, and the staining of the woodwork in
greens and browns shows the life of the woods. Everjrwhere
the furniture is comfortable and strong, and the general
arrangements are homelike and inviting. On the ground
floor, and so as to give proper control, are the caretaker's
rooms, pleasant and healthy places. At the back of the
building, and with separate entrance, slipper baths have
been arranged for general use. Only one bathroom is
fitted up at present. In the whole of the arrangements
the generous donor took the greatest interest, and the
Architects, Messrs. Bradshaw and Gass, F.R.I.B.A., strove
to fulfil the desires of the Educational Committee of the
Society in every respect possible.
Very soon the question of the King's coronation
festivities came up for discussion, and various suggestions
were made as to the best way of fittingly celebrating this
event. The resolutions relating thereto are interesting : —
Committee Meeting, Wednesday, March 26th, 1902. — That wc
call a Special General Meeting of the members, to be held immediately
after the close of the next Monthly Meeting, to consider the question
as to how best to celebrate the event of the King's coronation.
A Special General Meeting was convened by the Com-
mittee of Management to consider the question as to how
best celebrate the event of the King's coronation. Various
suggestions were made, including a holiday with wages for
aU employes, a treat to old members, the aged poor, and to
children, illuminations to buildings, and grant to various
charitable objects. It was understood that from these
suggestions the Committee would formulate resolutions to
submit to the next Quarterly Meeting. The following
resolutions were suggested : —
That we recommend the Quarterly Meeting to make the follow-
ing grants from the reserve fund in commemoration of the King's
coronation.
Co-operative Society Limited. 271
Recommendation by the Committee of Management, — That the
sum of jfijooo be taken from the reserve fund, to be appropriated as
follows in commemoration of the King's coronation : —
(a) Bolton Infirmary, ;£500 (with a request that, together with
the ;f5oo previously given, but not yet expended, a ward
or beds should be provided with which the Society's name
should be connected).
(6) Proposed Sanatorium for the Cure of Consumption, £150.
(c) Bolton District Sick Nursing Association, ;£ioo.
(d) Deaf and Dumb Institution, £25.
(e) Poor Protection Society, £2.5.
{/) Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children, £20.
(g) Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ^10.
(h) Bolton District Humane Society, £io.
(i) Society for Befriending Young Servants, ;£io.
(fl The blind people of Bolton, a parcel of goods, value 3s. each ;
estimated, ;f22.
(A) All productive employes who are paid piece work, and who
have been employed by the Society for a period of not
less than three months, adults 5s., juniors 2S. 6d.,
estimated, £^8.
(T) The balance to be left in the hands of the Committee, to be
used if any desirable object presents itself, £<jo.
Quarterly Meeting, Monday, May 5th, 1902. — That the sum of
^i .000 be taken from the reserve fund to be appropriated as stated
in commemoration of the King's coronation.
In addition to the above donations the following was
also granted at the meeting : St. John Ambulance Brigade,
Bolton Corps, £10. Further grants were made later, as
indicated in the following resolutions : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, May 12th, 1902. — That out of the
money at the disposal of the Committee for coronation grants £5 be
given to the Police Court Mission and ;£io to the local war fund.
Committee Meeting, Monday, June 2nd, 1902. — That out of the
coronation money a grant of £t.. ios. be given to the Belmont corona-
tion festivities and £^. 3s. to the Bradshaw Sick Nursing Society.
That out of the money in the hands of the Committee for the
coronation grants an additional ^^5 be subscribed to the poor chil-
dren's outing fund and ;fio to the Edgworth Children's Home.
The needs of the Milk Department next received atten-
tion, and machinery was provided to more efficiently deal
with the matter of milk cooling.
Committee Meeting, Tuesday, April 15th, 1902. — That we accept
the tender of Messrs. J. and E. Hall Limited for a milk-coohng plant
for the dairy (;^62o), also that Mr. Temperley be appointed Architect
to carry out the necessary alterations for same, and obtain tenders
from Messrs. Dewhurst and Pearse, Hirst, Tyson, and Orrell.
272 History of the Great and Little Bolton
The Fire at the Drapery Store.
By the Co-operators of Bolton June ist, 1902, will be
remembered as a " red-letter day," the day on which our
much-prized and model Drapery Department was destroyed
by fire. To attempt to explain how the fire came about
would be useless. All we can say with certainty is that
about three o'clock in the afternoon the flames were seen
in the top floor of the building. Some little time elapsed
before a few members of the fire brigade could be got on
the scene, and as to whether the pressure of Belmont is
considered to be equal to the power of a steam engine we
know not, but certainly it did not seem to be able to rise
to the occasion or to the flames, and, fanned by a strong
north-east wind, which was almost equal to a gale, it was
soon agreed that the fire had got such a hold of the building
that it was doomed to destruction. It is many a long day
since such a crowd was gathered together in Bolton, and
the looks of serious, sober earnestness on their faces
indicated a feeling that it was their own property which was
being destroyed. In serious disasters of this sort it is often
read of panic taking the place of discretion, and it was
thought advisable to be prepared in this case. There was
sufficient money in the Office the day after the fire to- meet
the, demands of all the possible comers ; but, be it said to
the credit of our members, they showed real grit, and their
confidence and their sympathy were demonstrated by their
kindly staying away. There did not seem to have been a
single excited member in the 30,000, and on the day referred
to the business done in the Office was scarcely equal to an
average day. The whole of the Directors and Officials were
early on the scene of the fire, and it was arranged for a
Special Committee Meeting to be held, which is perhaps
the fifst Sunday meeting ever known in the history of the
Society since its early days. The Architects, Messrs. Brad-
shaw and Gass, were also at the meeting, and a good many
preliminaries were gone into, which put the' reconstruction
of the building in a very forward state. The lessors of the
Temperance Hall were interviewed, and arrangements made
for taking those premises for business. Early on Monday
morning about eight of the leading employes in the Drapery
Co-operative Society Limited. 273
Department went down to Manchester to place orders for
new goods for their respective departrnents ; telegrams were
sent to other firms to send representatives over to see our
Drapery Manager for more important orders. The Insurance
assessors were also early at work handing over to us saleable
stock, of which it is pleasing to note that over ^5,000 worth
of unsoiled goods were saved from the fire. The whole of
the productive employes were, of course, idle for a week,
but the distributive employes were kept more than busy.
On the Monday morning they were faced with the Tem-
perance Hall strewn all over with heavy forms. These had
all to be cleared away. They were pulled up with ropes and
packed away in the top gallery — a strange experience for
men usually employed in measuring silks and satins.
Messrs. J. H. and G. Marsden were given an order to make
and fix all the necessary fixtures and counters, and they were
very early at work with a large staff of men, who were all
evidently members of the Society. They worked with a
will, and got through the work in such time as only interested
men could have done. Of our own staff too much cannot be
said in their favour. Male and female alike had their whole
heart and soul in the work. Only think, on Monday
morning at eight o'clock they were standing before a ruined
building ; on Thursday morning at eight o'clock, the fourth
day after the fire, the Temperance Hall had been converted
into a shop stocked with an entirely new stock of goods,
and business was going on as usual. The work of recon-
structing the building was a big undertaking, and required
plenty of time, thought, and patience. The Committee
met almost nightly, going into many details in connection
with the work, and all worked together as one harmonious
whole to make the best of a bad job, arid when finished it
whet the appetites of the members for stiU greater achieve-
ments.
The following are the chief resolutions passed in
connection with the fire : —
Special Committee Meeting, Sunday, June ist, 1902. — Owing to
a tire having occurred in the Drapery Department, a Special Com-
mittee Meeting was held, at which Messrs. Bradshaw and Gass (the
Architects) attended. The Architects undertook to see that the
building was immediately fenced off, and also that at the earliest
274 History of the Great and Little Bolton
possible moment it was again prepared for business. It was also
resolved —
1 . That the Insurance Company be at once communicated with.
2. That sufficient police be kept on the premises to see to their
safety.
3. That a deputation go at once to see the lessors of the Tem-
perance Hall to see if it is possible to secure that building
to carry on the business.
The deputation returned and reported that the building was
at liberty, and could be secured.
It was resolved that we immediately take possession of the
Temperance Hall, and arrange to commence business on
Thursday next.
4. That Mr. Hackney and Mr. Cox obtain all necessary tables
and fixtures.
5. That the Secretary attend to all the necessary printing and
advertising.
Committee Meeting, Tuesday, July 8th, 1902. — That the elevation
plan submitted by Messrs. Bradshaw and Gass for the rebuilding of
our Drapery Department be adopted, with an additional instruction
that in working out the details as much window light be introduced
on each floor as possible.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, September i8th, 1902. — That the
Secretary do sign on behalf of the Society an agreement between the
Society and Messrs. Simon Talbot and Sons to erect and complete
rebuilding terra-cotta work at the Drapery Department.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, November 27th, 1902. — That the
Secretary do sign on behalf of the Society an agreement made
between the Society of the one part and Messrs. J. H. and G. Marsden
of the other part, being an agreement to erect and complete the
rebuilding of the upper portion of the Drapery Department.
The starting of the department was fittingly chronicled
as follows : — •
After nearly four months of trading under most singularly adverse
circumstances we are again established in our Drapery Department,
or at least in some portion of the premises. When we take into
account the great difficulties under which we have laboured (and
remembering that a good show in the drapery business is half its
success) , and that during the time we have occupied the Temperance
Hall we have had no window in which we could make any display
whatever ; that whatever people might want they have had to go
inside and ask for it, and in many cases to find that our limited stock
did not comprise the article they wanted ; under such conditions we
have every reason to congratulate ourselves and to feel satisfied with
the results. Our drapery trade during the fifteen weeks we were in
the Temperance Hall averaged ;£i,ooo per week. Everybody will
agree that this exceeds their most sanguine expectations, and that
our members have been fully determined that the Society should
not suffer by the disaster of June ist last.
Co-operative Society Limited. 275
Now that we are back in our premises we are in a position to
carry on our trade under much more favourable conditions, yet,
seeing tliat we only occupy two floors instead of five, you will see that
each department will be very limited in space, and that we have no
room whatever for keeping a reserve stock. In face of the results of
the past fifteen weeks it would not be fair to ask for increased loyalty.
We desire to take this opportunity of thanking you for the
splendid way in which you have stuck to your Society, and for having
assisted so manfully to steer our ship through such troubled waters
as many a ship would have sunk under. You again have proved
that you can manage your own business in as business-like a manner
as anyone else could have done it for you.
In spite of the knock-down blow sustained by the above
fire, the Committee were as vigorous as ever, and speedily
set to work to consider other extensions to the Central
premises, as the following resolution passed in the same
month as the fire occurred well sets forth : —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, June 19th, 1902. — That the two
empty shops in Bridge Street be converted into a Gentlemen's Out-
fitting Department, with a show window for the Painting Depart-
ment.
Children's Festival.
This was started this year, and the following were the
arrangements made : —
The Educational Committee are arranging a Children's Festival
to take place in the Society's own fields. Castle Hill, on Saturday,
August 9th, 1902. Tickets, id. each. Coffee and buns will be
supplied. Pots will also be provided.
The children will meet in All Saints' Street, behind Bridge Street
Wesleyan Chapel. Procession to start at two o'clock. All children
from seven to fourteen years of age must take part in the procession.
Children under seven years of age will be admitted after the proces-
sion if accompanied by their parents.
Committee Meeting, Monday, July 14th, 1902. — That we grant
the use of the fields of the farm at Castle Hill for the Children's Field
Day arranged for by the Educational Committee, also that we accept
the order to cater for same.
The scene in AH Saints' Street on Saturday, August gth,
was one to gladden the hearts of all interested in the
Co-operative movement. Crowds of happy and good-
looking boys and girls came together between one and two
o'clock, and were at once marshalled into their places.
Previous to the procession starting to the field the four
bands were massed, and played " God Save the King " in
honour of the coronation. On arrival at the field the
276 History of the Great and Little Bolton
children, numbering about 5,000, were supplied with buns
and coffee, the Society's Restaurant Department doing the
catering. Spacious marquees were erected to provide tea
and refreshments for the older people, also tents for Com-
mittee, performers, &c., one tent being specially set apart
for a detachment of the Ambulance Brigade, which was in
attendance, though it is pleasing to record that their
services were not often required.
The bands, after bringing up the procession, played at
intervals in the field and discoursed some excellent music,
to the pleasure and entertainment of both young and old.
A troupe of athletes gave several displays. A set of Morris
dancers also tripped gaily round to the delight of a goodly
number of the folks present, whilst the evergreen Punch
and Judy Show was always a source of amusement to both
children and adults. Balloons were also sent up at intervals.
A never-ending round of entertainment and pleasure
allowed no time for descanting on the vagaries of the weather,
which at times threatened to mar the proceedings. How-
ever, everything passed off with very slight interruption,
and the Educational Committee and helpers were rewarded
with a splendid success, which should further the work of
Co-operation in Bolton.
The Educational Committee had arranged to provide
coffee and buns for 5,000 children, and the tickets were sold
in eleven different centres on August 5th. The demand was
so great, however, that they were soon disposed of, and during
the week there was a continual stream of youthful applicants
for tickets, to whom the officials had to say, much to their
own as weU. as to the children's disappointment," All sold."
Pots, most of which were designed to commemorate the
coronation of King Edward VII., were given to those who
were fortunate enough to obtain tickets.
The next matter to receive attention connected with the
Educational Department is chronicled in the following
resolution : —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, December i8th, 1902. — That we
accede to the request of the Educational Committee to call a Special
General Meeting of members to amend the Rules so as to provide for
the reading of the Educational Committee's Minutes monthly.
Co-operative Society Limited. 277
CHAPTER XXXIV.
1903.
General Inforviation for Members — Strength and Progress —
A Wonderful Society — Work of Society — Plans Considered
— Stocking only Co-operative Productive Goods — Petition
to Local Members of Parliament — Woodgate Street
Store Arranged for — Penrhyn Dispute — Painting
Manager Appointed — Certificates for Bread Won — New
Educational Department Considered — Contractors' Rule
— Shooting Prize — Weighing of Goods — The Society's
Membership — Its Trade — Its Profits — Its Share Capital —
Its Cottage Building Department — Educational Work —
Working Man's Bank — Insurance Fund — Branch Growth
— Goods Sold — General Results — Educational Committee's
New Departure.
ONE turns with a sigh of relief after the eventful year
of 1902 to the calm and placid events of this year,
though we must at once recognise that much pro-
gress was made by the consolidating and extending of the
various departments.
Undoubtedly one of the leading topics at the present
time before the public is that of Co-operation — so much so
that there is a class who say " they who are not with us are
against us," and look upon them somewhat in the light
of enemies. Members will no doubt at times be asked very
perplexing questions, some of which, on the spur of the
moment, they may not be provided with a very ready answer
to. The sum and substance of the arguments from the other
side are to show us that we are not spending- our money to
the best advantage. We, on the other hand, say we are not
disposed to subscribe to maintain a class which we think
is no longer necessary. Here are one or two replies to our
critics.
278 History of the Great and Little Bolton
During the quarter ending March, 1890, a gentleman
whose name was well known throughout Bolton joined our
Society, and during his period of membership he deposited
-£/\. 7s. o^d. in the Society. The gentleman died a short
time ago, and at the time of his death there was standing to
his credit in our books £116. 17s. That is what Co-operation
does.
Many are the distressing tales that could be told on
account of slackness of trade and stoppage of workshops.
A few weeks ago the large iron works of Messrs. Dobson
and Barlow were stopped a week. At the end of that
week a woman presented herself at the counter of our
General Office with a little black book which our members
know so well. " Let me have two pounds," she said. " I
have a husband and two sons working at Dobson's. They
have had no wages this week." Co-operation provided
that for her, and has done the same for many other similar
cases during many other trying times.
A working man in a conversation a short time ago said
the house he lived in was his own — " paid for." He got it
through the Stores. There are more than 2,000 families
at the present moment living in their own homes, which are
paid for by aid of the Stores, and there are about 1,600
other families whom the Stores are now helping to provide
homes for.
We think such a record as this will stand the hght of
the day, and we could go on teUing tales of gladness and
comfort which have been brought before our notice, and in
which the Store has been instrumental in enabling famUies
to tide over troubles and difficulties which would otherwise
have been insurmountable.
We are now fairly in the twentieth century, which
prophets teU us has marvellous things in store. StiU, it
matters not what century we are in if the stream of progress
flows uninterruptedly. As Co-operators we can con-
gratulate ourselves that this is the case with our movement,
and especially with the Bolton Society, which, naturaJly,
is most interesting to us. Echoes from time to time reach
us of a spasmodic effort to oppose the movement elsewhere.
Co-operative Society Limited,. 279
We have had to fight our battles in Bolton, and are ready
to repeat our victories over opponents if need be, but,
fortunately, outsiders have come to see that we are neither
a menace to the legitimate and enterprising tradesmen
nor to the community. Compared with many other towns
Bolton has a high position for its prosperity and for the
intelligence and industry of its artisans. As this coincides
with Bolton being one of the foremost towns in the Co-
operative movement the connection is significant. It goes
without saying that it makes a marvellous difference in the
resources of the people of Bolton to have yearly over
^100,000 commg back to them in ready cash as the outcome
ot tradmg with the Stores.
Many reasons may, no doubt, be given for the strength
and progress of our Society, each and aU of them equally
important, and all of them more or less right, but the fact
remains that the present generation is largely indebted to
the pioneers of the past for their forethought in introducing
the many great features which our movement possesses.
These grand old men had an eye to the future, and we are
now reaping the results of their sowing. Let us in turn
make it better for those who follow us.
" You are a wonderful Society, and you have done a
wonderful work." So said the Mayor of Bolton at our
annual gathering of 1903. Holding the position he does,
he was naturally somewhat guarded in his utterances, but
it is clear that the position and work of the Society
impressed his mind, as they must aU who give them the
sUghtest attention. He is not the first Mayor of the town
who has bid us God speed, and probably wiU not be the last,
for we do not hide our light under a bushel, and anyone in
an official position must take cognisance of us, as we are one
of the most important factors in the well-being of the town.
Alderman MUes was unreserved in his praise of our Cottage
Building Department, saying truly that while the Govern-
ment is thinking we are acting. There is not the slightest
doubt that if our members, as they have often been advised,
would let their dividends accumulate, they would have a
handsome provision for old age. Some have been wise.
28o Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
and, having done this, are enjoying the fruits of their self-
denial and thrift in the eventide of their lives. This capital
would do more than that. To make it earn interest outlets
for its use would have to be found, and Co-operative pro-
duction would get a great stimulus. If Co-operators were
only determined enough they might anticipate the Socialist
idea of the people becoming owners of the means of produc-
tion, but the results would be far more equitable, as the
profits would be divided, not on the principle of "an equal
division of unequal earnings," but an equal division on thrift
and industry.
The presence of the Mayor (Alderman Miles) at the
Temperance Hall on the occasion of our Annual Festival
was very much appreciated by the audience.
In the past the greatest obstacle of our progress has been
the apathy that has existed within the movement itself, but
there are signs of a great awakening. The spirit of the old
pioneers is not dead. The opposition to which we have
been subjected seems to have given the necessary stimulus
for a more active propaganda. The different agencies
within the movement are concentrating dl their energies
for vigorous action, action which would have its reflex in
the making of men — men in the highest sense of the word.
We are all very proud of the work that is being done by
our Society here in Bolton ; of its grand business premises,
most of which are, from an architectural point of view,
noble ornaments of the town. We are pleased at its
immense sales (£800,000 of an annual turnover), the great
number of people that are employed, its ever-widening
educational efforts ; these and many others all claim our
attention and admiration. But to my mind, necessary and
vital as these are, they are only secondary to that other
work, the increasing happiness and comfort of stiU greater
numbers of working people.
The old order of things is passing away, whether for good
or for evil. The whole system of business life is undergoing
a complete change. Methods that were thought good
enough for our fathers are obsolete to-day. The small shop
has given way to the great combine, with hundreds of shops
CliNTKAL Pl:;.MISliS,
Outfitting Uepartmnit and Eiitranct to Wafi;liousc.
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 283
controlled and managed from one centre, and organised on
the most economic basis ; and Co-operators must not be
content to do their business in old-fashioned ways. If we
do we shall deserve to be beaten. Nor must we follow the
lead given to us by the trusts. We must, if we intend to
keep our place in the very forefront of the commercial
world, lead the way, shake off all decadent systems — good
as they may have been in the past — free ourselves from
every encumbrance that impedes our progress. We must
develop and adapt our machinery to modern needs and
requirements. We must make our members feel that our
Stores are places where every need can be supplied, and that
they belong not to the people who happen to form the Com-
mittee, but to them ; and, belonging to them, it is their
duty to support it cheerfully and loyally, and, having
accomplished this, our movement need have no fear for any
opposition that may come, be it ever so strong.
A few interesting resolutions were recorded this year.
These are self-explanatory.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, March 12th, 1903. — Mr. Gass
attended this meeting and explained in detail the various fittings in
connection with the new Drapery Department, and received instruc-
tions thereon.
That the plans submitted for the erection of a new Gentlemen's
Outfitting Department be adopted, and that estimates be obtained
for same.
That we try the experiment for one month of as far as possible
stocking only Co-operative productive goods in our new Goldsmith
Street Branch. [It was a failure.]
Committee Meeting, Monday, March 4th, 1903. — Thai, we petition,
the Members of Parliament to vote in favour of the Bill for the
Prevention of Corruption in Trade.
Committee Meeting, Monday, June ist, 1903. — That the land in
Woodgate Street, Great Lever, be taken as proposed for new Store.
Committee Meeting, Tuesday, June 9th, 1903. — That we approve
of, and sign, the national protest re the Penrhyn dispute, framed by
the London Central Committee. The following is the resolution : —
" The undersigned emphatically condemn the inaction of the Govern-
ment in refusing to exercise their power under the ConciUation Act,
1896, and pledges itself to support the quarrymen, their wives, and
children, now suffering for the right of combination."
That provision be made for a Grocery and Butchering Department
on the land in Woodgate Street.
284 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Committee Meeting, Wednesday, July 8th, 1903. — That Mr. Peter
Cowper be appointed Manager of the Painting Department.
Committee Meeting, Monday, July 2nd, 1903. — That the certi-
ficates received for bread exhibition at the Crystal Palace be copied
and placed in all our Branches.
Committee Meeting, Friday, August 28th, 1903. — A joint meeting
of the General and Educational Committees was held to consider the
building of a new Educational Department. It was resolved that
the building should consist of two storeys and a basement, the first
floor to be used for Library purposes, including Lending and Refer-
ence Library, Secretary's office, and workroom for staff. The whole
of the second floor to be used for Reading-room, with a portion
partitioned off for ladies. The basement to be used for Boardroom,
Conversation-room, Boys' Reading-room, Classroom, Storeroom, and
heating apparatus.
That the Architect be instructed to prepare plans according to
this arrangement, and also to submit designs for elevation.
This proposed extension fell through.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, December 3rd, 1903. — That we
offer to Mr. Wharton the price named for the shop and two cottages
on St. Helens Road.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, September loth, 1903. — That it
be made a condition that contractors estimating for work for the
Society shall state in their tenders the names of the firms they
intend to employ as their sub-contractors, also that the Architects
supply us with a complete set of specifications in each case.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, October 22nd, 1903. — That wa
recommend our Quarterly Meeting to give a shooting prize of £2. 2S.
(in goods) to the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Loyal North Lancashire
Regiment.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, December 17th, 1903. — That the
attention of our shopmen be drawn to the case recently decided re
the weighing of goods, and that they be instructed to exercise every
care in their own weighing.
Membership.
The Society, together with all its benefits and advan-
tages, is open to aU persons, male or female, the only
exception being that the applicant shall be over eighteen
years of age.
The first balance sheet issued by the Society covered a
period of four months, ending March igth, i860, and showed
the trade to be £i,^gi.
Our trade for the first year of our existence was ^11,156.
Co-operative Society Limited. 285
Our trade in 1903 in one week was about one and a half
times as much as it was during the whote of the first year
of our existence, amounting to ^798,201.
We doubled our turnover from 1890 to 1903.
Take the whole forty-three years of trading and the
grand total amounts to £11,942,066. Nearly £12,000,000
of trade done by ourselves, for ourselves, in our own shops,
and the profits of which have been returned to ourselves.
Co-operation can be applied to a lot of things, one of the
most useful of which is that a number of people should band
themselves together to buy their own butter, tea, coffee,
and sugar, or anything else they may require, instead of
paying somebody else to buy these things for them. By
this means we are enabled to go direct to the producer or
merchant, and get what we require in bulk at first cost.
We then have it distributed to us in our own shops, paying
a retail price at the time of purchasing ; but at the end of
the quarter, when we come to balance up our accounts, all
that is left after paying for the cost of distribution is given
back to us in dividend. This system of trading has been
an immense saving to our members. Each quarter there
has been something to return, the amounts having been
various, but gradually rising until now we are receiving
back 3s. for every pound we spend.
Share Capital.
It will no doubt be of interest to members, and will
better enable them to realise the magnitude of the Society
to which they belong, if we show them how the capital of
the Society is made up. The statement will at the same
time show the savings of our members which have passed
through the Society since its formation to the year 1903.
We commenced our career with a subscribed share capital
of £525 ; since which time the members had made further
deposits amounting to £1,974,880 ; interest had been
credited to members amounting to £296,445 ; dividend had
been credited to members amounting to £1, 557-734 ;
which gives a grand total of money having passed through
our ledgers, and representing the accumulated savings of our
members for forty-three years, amounting to £3,829,584.
286 History of the Great and Little Bolton
From these figures deduct the amount withdrawn
(including interest and dividend) during forty-three years,
from i860 to 1903, amounting to a total of ^^3, 175,210,
which shows the total amount then standing to the credit of
our members to be £654,374.
Cottage Building Department.
This is a department which has undoubtedly done its
share towards revolutionising and modernising our town of
Bolton. It has all along induced and assisted its members
to become their own landlords, and has thereby created a
healthy competition amongst builders to produce the most
up-to-date house, both as regards convenience and sanita-
tion. It was thirty-five years prior to 1903 that the surplus
funds of the Society were first devoted to the use of the
Building Department, and so well have the members been
educated to the advantages of the department that its
growth has been phenomenal and is an interesting study.
The first year we advanced £120 ; at the end of ten years
we were advancing at the rate of £6,000 a year ; at the end
of twenty years we were advancing £16,000 a year ; at the
end of thirty years we were advancing £60,000 a year ; and
in 1903 we advanced £72,000. Money had been lent to
3,439 persons, and in the whole they had had £901,990.
Educational Work.
The original rules of our Society, registered in 1859,
provide that after providing interest and depreciation, and
paying all other expenses, the profits shall be disposed of
according to resolutions of the Quarterly Meetings, excepting
that 2| per cent shall be set apart for educational purposes.
This rule relating to the educational grant has been the
same aU along our history, and has been carried out, the
grants rising and falling according to the profits made, but
always being 2J per cent. The first balance sheet, issued in
March, i860, showed a net profit of £72. 7s. 4§d., the educa-
tional grant out of this sum being £2. is. ijd. The second
quarter's grant was £3. 2s. lod. For the first five quarters
there was nothing spent out of this fund ; it was allowed to
Co-operative Society Limited. 287
accumulate and reached Iz^. 17s. sjd. On the sixth
quarter's balance sheet there appears an item, " Grant to
the Literary Committee out of the fund for educational and
other purposes, £5." On the seventh balance sheet there
is a similar item. For several quarters after this the grants
and spending were about equal. The accumulated balance
after five years was £10. 19s. 3jd. The grant for the first
quarter of the sixth year was Ij. 6s. yd. In the Committee's
report on one of the early balance sheets we find that they
were providing for the education of the members by means
of a reading-room, which was supplied with weekly and
daily newspapers, periodicals, and a library (open every
evening).
On the March balance sheet, 1867 (the beginning of the
eighth year), there is the first appearance of the Educational
Department under a separate head. That quarter the grant
was ;^23. 8s. gd., the spending £15. us. 5d., and the balance
ij^. 13s. iijd.
There appears to have been a separate Committee to
manage the educational fund from its commencement, but
the balance sheet for March, 1876, is the first record of a paid
Committee. On the minutes for the Annual Meeting,
January, 1876, there is a resolution that the Literary Com-
mittee be paid 7s. 6d. each per quarter for their services.
For a considerable time Evening Classes were carried on
with great success before Technical Schools were thought of.
Our Society, along with others, did the pioneer work.
Another part of the educational work is the Lending
Library. This we may safely say is the best appreciated
part of our work, a larger number of members and their
families availing themselves of this privUege than any other.
The Secretary's Report for 1903 is interesting, and we
glean a lew facts as follows : —
It is very encouraging and pleasing to see how members who have
been so unfortunate as to lose wages through depression in trade or
other causes, and who, through the assistance of the Stores, have a
small banting account of their own, come to the office and draw from
their accoant what has enabled them to meet the emergency.
Our reserve funds are now growing to more respectable propor-
tions. With this year's additions they stand at £i2,-i2y.
288 History of the Great and Little Bolton
The insurance fund is also very steadily following on, amounting
to £7,9i2. Our buildings and fixture's have been depreciated during
the year by ;^5,22i. The amount they now stand at on our balance
sheet should make them a very valuable asset.
New Grocery and Provision Branches have been opened at Deane
Church Lane, Castle Hill, and Waterloo Street, and a Butchering
Branch at High Street. Other Grocery Branches are now in building
in Lena Street and Bridgeman Street, and Butchering Branches
in Halliwell Road (lower end) and Folds Road. When these are
completed we shall have forty-four Grocery Branches, twenty-three
Butchering Branches, and nine Shoe Branches, in addition to all
the various trades we carry on at the Central.
The first aim and object of a Secretary's report is to show the
true state and financial position of the Society. This we have done
year by year, and I think you will agree that our record will need
some beating. Seeing that we are your providers of the necessaries
of life, it may be of interest to know what quantity we are selling
of some of the leading articles. The foUowinghave been sold during
the year : —
Flour, in Shops 37,544 sacks (28olbs. each).
Flour, baked into Bread 7,842 ,, (28olbs. ,, ).
Potatoes 26,327 loads (24olbs. ,, ).
Butter 18,483 cwts.
Cheese 3,296
Bacon and Hams 5,978 ,,
Tea 159,720 lbs.
Sugar 42,780 cwts.
Soap 15,220 „
Eggs (cases of 1,440 eggs) 3,620 cases.
Milk 973,236 quarts.
Coals 84,205 tons.
Beasts 1,650
Sheep and Lambs 7, 731
Pigs 1,440
These figures, I have no doubt, will better enable you to comprehend
the magnitude of the Society, and will inspire us all to continue our
efforts, and be determined that the forces which are now so actively
engaged against us shall not prevail, and also that the Bolton Co-
operative Society shall keep its position as one of the foremost institu-
tions of its kind in the world.
The Bolton Co-operative Society is a prosperous
Society. It is admitting members every week, and, with
the increasing membership, we have a growing business.
People objected to the Co-operative movement because
they knew little about it ; it might do them good, and would
do Co-operators no harm. Since the great Co-operative
Co-operative Society Limited. 289
movement started in 1844 it has earned for the working
classes in this country no less than one hundred mUlion of
money, and ^^70, 000, 000 of that had been paid to the
members. Private traders admitted that Co-operation
might save money for the members, but said they only
squandered it. John Bright said that all reform was con-
nected with bread and butter, and that one of the saddest
things in England was that amongst the great class who
earned their daily bread there was an absence of a hope
which every man ought to have in his soul that, after an
industrious struggle, there was for him a comfortable
independence in life. Co-operation is cultivating that hope,
and there are thousands of working men in Bolton, Man-
chester, and scattered aU over the country who are able to
bid defiance to the workhouse, that palace of many windows,
as the result of Co-operation.
The Educational Committee have now added yet
another helpful force for the betterment of their fellows in
the form of the Bolton Co-operative Debating Society,
which assembled in the Small Hall on October 8th, 1903, in
answer to the call in the September " Record " of that year.
A band of some twenty earnest workers in the cause thus
met together. Mr. W. J. Bradley was appointed President,
and Mr. Thomas Whittle Secretary for the first session
of 1903-4. Other officers were duly elected, and arrange-
ments were made for the adequate and direct representation
of the Educational Committee, under whose auspices the
Debating Society meets. Rules and regulations for the
debates were adopted, a syllabus of subjects for discussion
was drawn up, and it was decided that the first meeting of
the Debating Society be held in the Small Hall on Monday,
October 12th, 1903, at 7-30 p.m.
The Amended Check System.
For some time past our check system had occupied the
attention of the Committee, with a view to making certain
amendments thereto, to make it more adaptable to the very
extensively increased business of our Society. The old
system was in operation for about twenty-one years, and
ago History of the Great and Little Bolton
did good service, and it still can be recommended to a Society
not so congested or doing such a large business as ourselves.
It was felt for some time, however, that we were growing
out of the system, and that something more adaptable
should be found. We were in communication with Societies
in all parts of the country with reference to their systems.
In dealing with systems it was found that local surroundings
must be taken into consideration.
Bolton is a very congested and thickly-populated town,
and practically the whole of our members live within easy
distance of our Central premises. The result was that on
the last two days for taking in pound checks the crowds in
Bridge Street and our Large HaU were enormous, as many
members know who had been wedged in the crowd. On
these days our office work was very much disorganised,
every available clerk being required in the Large HaU check-
taking, in addition to which a number of outside men were
required to be brought in to render assistance. Working
under these circumstances, mistakes were unavoidable and
occurred. Our object was to break up these crowds and to
distribute the work. To accomplish this we proposed that
each Branch shop should be open for checktaking for three
days during the last week in each quarter, and to encourage
the members to take in their checks to the nearest Branch.
It was considered that the altered system would lend itself
more readUy to doing the work at the Branches, and that
it would be safer; the Central open, of course, as usual.
It was also hoped that the alteration would not in any way
inconvenience the members, and the successful way in which
the system is now worked shows that the members have
eventually grown to appreciate it, as there is nothing drastic
about the system, and it is found to be quite simple. Loose
paper checks are cashed as before, and if any member has
several pounds' worth of checks on a gum sheet, and only
desires to cash part of them, they may receive cash for the
number they desire and a transfer check for the remainder.
This is practically the whole of the alteration, and will, we
think, satisfy a long-felt want.
Co-operative Society Limited. 291
CHAPTER XXXV.
1904.
A Good Trade Year — Convalescent Homes Scheme Considered
— Election of Officers — Rules Amended — Shoemakers'
Wages List Agreed Upon — Annual Party — Reopening
of Drapery — How the Trade Has Grown — Presentation to
Mr. Hilton — Draper's Shop Extended — Monthly Meetings
— Plurality of Offices — Death of Mr. J. P. Thomasson —
Dairy Machinery Provided — Land Taken at Breightmet —
Distress Relieved — Representative on local Education
Committee — Check System — Mr. Grindrod Appointed
Representative.
ONCE more after a season of bad trade in the town,
when money was scarce and the patience of men
sorely tried, we had again to record a successful
trade during the year. A great sum in the form of profits
and dividends went into the pockets of the working classes,
and added not a little to their savings, besides going to make
homes happier and more comfortable. Aye, and to help
also in the purchase of the homes in which so many of our
members live.
In February, 1904, the following announcement was
made in the " Record " : —
The members will be called upon at the Annual Meeting, to be
held on Monday, February ist, to give their approval or otherwise
to the scheme now before the Co-operative movement for the erection
and maintenance of two Convalescent Homes in the North- Western
Section. For some time this subject has been discussed at various
conferences, and certain schemes suggested, but for some reason or
other they have not been considered acceptable. In consequence
of the Section covering such a wide area, it has been extremely
difficult to formulate a scheme that would be of service to this exten-
sive area. The Committee, therefore, have acted wisely in putting
before the Societies schemes comprising two Homes, one at Lytham
(for Lancashire) and the other at the Wharfedale district (for
292 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Yorkshire), thus obviating the necessity of having to pay a heavy
railway fare to get to the Home. If we judge the minds of Co-operators
correctly, we may rest assured that the majority are favourable to
the general question of Convalescent Homes, viz., their necessity,
and the desirability of having such Homes for the exclusive use of
Co-operators. The reports received of the Homes at present being
carried on by the movement are of such a gratifying character that
this in itself is a strong recommendation to still further extend the
work. However, there are one or two points which should be made
clear at the outset. First, that in these Homes convalescents should
at all times have a prior claim over the ordinary visitors who
simply desire to become residents whilst seeking rest and change.
Second, that it be thoroughly understood that the liabiUties to each
Society are likely to be both for the erection and maintenance. If
these are satisfactory, and prove acceptable to Co-operators in the
Section, there is no reason why the schemes should not be carried
on to a successful issue.
A meeting of the Societies interested in the North-
western Convalescent Homes Scheme was held in the
Wholesale Society's Hall on Saturday, March 5th, 1904,
when it was reported that 115 Societies had applied for
7,328 shares, and that it was the intention of twenty-one
other Committees to recommend to their respective Societies
to take up shares to the aggregate value of ;f 1,639. If these
recommendations were carried, the share capital would then
be close upon £9,000. After discussion, it was decided to
register the Association under the Industrial and Provident
Societies Act, 1893, and to give the Provisional Committee
authority to afterwards purchase the Chevin Dell Estate
for the inland home, and to enter into an agreement for
two acres of land at Lytham, upon which to erect a seaside
home. The rules were afterwards considered and adopted.
It was also decided that the Provisional Committee remain
in office until the General Meeting in February, 1906.
The following is a report of a Special General Meeting
held on Monday evening, February 15th : —
A Special General Meeting was held on Monday evening, February
15th, in the Co-operative Hall, to consider the proposals of the
Revision Committee appointed by the November Quarterly Meeting
in respect to the rules re election of officers. Mr. W. A. Hilton
(President of the Society) was in the chair, the following being the
decisions arrived at by the meeting : —
The Revision Committee are of opinion that district voting
should be adopted, and recommend that an instruction should
Co-operative Society Limited. 293
go from this meeting to the Committee of Management to bring
the same into effect.
A member of the Committee of Management or of the Educa-
tional Committee shall not be permitted to nominate or second
any person for a seat on either of the said Committees.
A member of the Educational Committee seeking election on
the General Committee must first resign his seat on the Educa-
tional Committee.
Any candidate for election on the Committee of the Co-opera-
tive Wholesale Society, the Section or District of the Co-operative
Union, or the Committee of any Society, company, or any other
organisation in which we are interested or are shareholders, shall
also be nominated at a General Meeting of the members of the
Society.
It was the intention of the Revision Committee that the disquali-
fication clause proposed to be inserted in this rule should mean that
a person desirous of joining the Committee must either have, during
the preceding twelve months, purchased on an average not less
than £6 per quarter, or that he should hold five fully paid-up shares
in the Society. The suggested proposal not bearing this construction
was amended and carried.
As the result of a number of meetings of the Rules Revision
Committee and three Special General Meetings of members, a new rule
and several additions and amendments to other rules were adopted
and embodied in the rules of the Society. It is inevitable that we
should from time to time seek to adopt new and, whenever practi-
cable, better methods of conducting the affairs of any Society, but
especially so when the Society has an exceptionally large membership
and is carrying on such an extensive business as our own, provided
always that the changes or additions suggested are for the express
purpose of building up the Society or safeguarding the interests of
the members. Then it is our duty to avail ourselves of every
opportunity and privilege that presents itself, if by so doing we
strengthen our position, or are able to command a wider support of
our members. After duly considering the possible influence, and
being satisfied that it will benefit the Society as a whole, we should
do all in our power to further the same.
This being the guiding principle which actuated the members of
the Revision Committee, and especially those who were responsible
for the various changes, they were gratified to find so many of their
suggestions accepted by the general body of members. If their
expectations are fully realised every member will be grateful to those
who have given so much time and thought in the interests of the
Society, and it was hoped that all members taking an active part
would make themselves fully acquainted with the rules and regula-
tions so as to be able to give their own opinion when required.
Various alterations and additions were made which are of special
importance to those aspiring to official positions. Amongst others.
294 History of the Great and Little Bolton
an addition to Rule 24 prevents a member of the Educational Com-
mittee being nominated for a seat on the Management Committee
without first resigning the seat he already holds, Also a. change
which met with general acceptance, that in future all nominations
for elections on the Directorate of the Co-operative Wholesale Society,
Co-operative Union, or the Committee of any Society, &c., in which
we are interested as shareholders, will be made at a General Meeting
of members, instead of by the Committee of Management. This
will be a means of bringing these representatives in close touch with
the members attending the meetings of the Society, a feature which
is looked upon as a necessity in democratic institutions.
The introduction of machinery into the Shoemaking
Department naturally caused the question of wages to come
up for consideration, the following resolution being adopted
at the Committee Meeting, Monday, February 22nd, 1904 : —
That we adopt the amended wage list agreed upon with the Shoe-
makers' Society, brought about by the introduction of machinery.
This was followed by a decision to add more machinery: —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, February 25th, 1904. — That two
sets of Robinson's patent finishing machines with only one heel-
paring machine be ordered for our Shoe Department.
Annual Party.
The occasion of our Annual Tea Party and Entertain-
ment is always one for mutual congratulation as well as for
general enjoyment, and that because the same old story of
success has been told. Our Society is fortunate in having
such an unbroken record of progress and prosperity in these
days, when the staple industry of the town and district is so
depressed, when many firms of long and honourable standing
have a difficulty in making any margin of profit, and when
the immediate future is by no means promising at home and
abroad. The foundation upon which Co-operation is built
has much to do, of course, with the stability and continued
prosperity of our Society. Faith in its leaders, too, accounts
for a great deal. Without a sufficiency of loyalty to
principles and leaders, coupled with a true sense of duty to
their own Stores, our members could not point with the
pride they naturally evince at these annual gatherings to
the result of the year's workings.
The Chairman was forced to confess that " millions "
seemed to fall somewhat blithely from his tongue, so
Co-operative Society Limited. 295
accustomed had he become to speaking of them in connec-
tion with the Bolton Co-operative Society. Yet how hard
the task to grasp the full meaning of them : the millions
done in trade since the Society was started, the well-nigh
two millions of profit secured to members, the millions of
money paid into the bank, and the millions distributed to
members in cash, not to speak of the hundreds of thousands
under each of such heads as Cottage Building advances and
repayments, the tens of thousands sterling voted for charity,
education, and bonus to servants, and all that is involved in
the payment of salaries and wages to our own employes,
and for new buildings, extensions, improvements, and so on.
Truly ours is a great and a grand possession.
The Secretary's report was taken as printed in the pro-
gramme of the evening conditionally, as the Chairman
humorously remarked, on everyone present reading it at
home. We take a few extracts : —
The fact of new members joining the Society does not reduce
or take any share of the profits of the old members. According to
our Co-operative system of trading every member gets returned to
him the profits of his own purchases only. By becoming a Co-
operator he is not only creating capital for himself, but is at the
same time assisting his fellows to reap greater advantages, as the
greater our number of members the greater is our volume of trade,
and the more economically can our Society be worked.
We have two new Branches in building — one in Woodgate Street,
Great Lever, and the other in St. Helens Road. They will be opened
at an early date, and will bring the number of Branches up to forty-
six. Our Butchering Department is now giving us satisfactory
results, and the Committee are endeavouring to meet the require-
ments of the members by spreading the Branches. In the course
of a few weeks' time we shall have twenty-six Branches engaged in
the butchering trade.
After giving the date of the formal opening of the new
Drapery Department, Mr. Pomfret goes on to say : —
Every credit is due to our Drapery Manager (Mr. Cox) for the
very large amount of time and thought he has given to assist the
Architects to design fittings and other internal arrangements to make
the shop a really up-to-date establishment. The shop will be an
ornament to the town, it will be worthy of the movement, the pride
of Bolton Co-operators, and it will do a business which will repay us
for the outlay. Let us hope that it will have better luck than the
old shop, and be a lasting monument to Co-operators, The new
296 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
building adjoining our Central premises in Bridge Street is also
nearing completion. It is intended for a General Outfitting Depart-
ment, with a small portion off for the Painting Department. There
is great room for development in our outfitting trade, and we are
hoping that, with the greatly increased facilities we shall have in the
new shop, our trade in that line of business will be greatly increased.
We trust to be able to open the premises for the Easter trade.
In conclusion, the Secretary pointed with pride to the
fact that the membership now totalled over 30,000.
Reopening of New Drapery Stores.
Amid many congratulations the Drapery Stores in
Bridge Street, reconstructed and added to since the fire of
1902, were opened on Saturday, February 27th, 1904. It
was thought fitting to duly mark this important event,
and at the reopening ceremony there was a numerous
company of interested spectators. The members of the
Committee of Management, visitors from other Societies,
and others assembled at the Boardroom in the Co-operative
Hall, and walked in procession to the Bridge Street entrance
to the Stores. Here they were received by Mr. Cox (Manager
of the Department), supported by a number of his assistants,
and the company proceeded to the third storey, . which was
arranged as a spacious showroom.
Mr. NuttaU said on behalf of the Committee of Manage-
ment he bade them a hearty welcome. They wished them
to view the premises, and if they had any money in their
pockets to leave it behind them and carry away goods
instead. It had been felt that the reopening of those
premises was more than an ordinary event, and the
members of the Society should have an opportunity of
viewing what had been accomplished. It was worth
recalling that the pioneers of the Society found that the
success in the Grocery Department was so great that they
determined to start a Drapery Department. That was in
i860, and the first year's trade amounted to ;£242. 7s. ii^d.,
and, considering the Society was in its infancy, it was a good
beginning. The business kept on improving, with the result
that the premises now known as the " bacon shop " were
opened for drapery, and the first year's trade there was
£4,256. 4s. gd. Those premises became too small, and in
DRAPERY DEPARTMENT, BRIDGE STRliET AND ST. GEORGE'S ROAD.
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 299
1882 the premises at the corner of Bark Street, now used
for the Tailoring Department, were opened, and the first
year's trade reached to £24,896. 12s. lod. The membership
kept on increasing and the trade extending, with the
result that when the land on which the building in which
they then were came into the market the Committee
secured it, and the Drapery Stores were built. The first
year's trade there amounted to ^[56,926. i6s. iid., while in
the twelve months ending June i6th, 1902, a fortnight after
the fire, the trade done amounted to £72,725, and it was
only reasonable to suppose that in the ordinary course the
total would have been brought up to £75,000.
Mr. J. B. Gass, on behalf of the Architects, then rose to
present Mr. Hilton with a large photograph of the building,
with a silver frame, and enclosed in a suitable case. The
frame bore a suitable inscription, and also the escutcheon
of the Society, with a motto " Labour and Wait." Mr. Gass
first recalled the fire which devastated the building, teUing
how he saw from Bromley Cross the cloud of smoke over
Bolton, and how he learned with dismay that the conflagra-
tion was at the Drapery Stores. The building withstood the
fire wonderfully, and to prove that the floors were not
injured they were then standing on one which was tried by
fire and was as sound as ever it was. On behalf of Mr.
Bradshaw and himself, instead of offering Mr. Hilton a key
to open the building which was already being used, he had
to present him with a photograph of the building encased
in a silver frame. Mr. Hilton represented the Society, and
in presenting that picture to him they put on record the
appreciation they had of the work of the Committee, and
the time they had spent on all its details. He hoped that
Mr. Hilton would accept it as a mark of respect that the
Architects had for him and the Society, and they wished
that for many years Mr. Hilton might have health and
strength to labour in the cause of Co-operation in Bolton.
Mr. Hilton, rising to respond, said that his first duty
was to thank the Committee of the Society for having asked
him to take the honourable position of opening that portion
of the building. That Committee was composed of men of
various schools of thought, but they were men imbued with
300 History of the Great and Little Bolton
the spirit of Co-operation, and sought the expansion of the
movement in the best possible way. In the second place,
he wished to thank the Mayor, who was present with them
that afternoon. He was a gentleman with many duties to
perform, and they were indebted to him for giving them a
portion of his valuable time, and holding out the right hand
of fellowship, to show that he was at one with those who
sought to do the best they could for the working classes of
the town. Then there were Messrs. Bradshaw and Gass,
Architects, whom he desired to thank very heartily for the
beautiful memento of that day which they had given him.
That was a unique gathering. On January i8th, 1897, the
opening of those premises took place. Mr. Councillor
Lander was the President of the Society then, and by his
side stood the then Mayor of Bolton, the late Sir Benjarnin
Dobson. Mr. Gass had referred to another day, June, 1902.
That was known nationally as Peace Day — a red-letter day
— and to the Bolton Society it gave a red sky, for the
elements helped the flames to devastate the building.
Seldom was such a fire to be seen. If the building had not
been based on a good foundation it would have crumbled,
but, like Co-operation, it was sound at the core. The
Committee, as they looked upon the destruction wrought,
felt the loss, but turned to the future. He made no apology
now, neither did he do then, for the Committee meeting,
although it was Sunday, to consider what was to be done,
for they were concerned for the workpeople and were con-
cerned for the trade of the Society, and they said that
nothing should stop them from doing their utmost to get
the concern in working order at the earliest possible moment.
As they knew, the Temperance Hall was rented, and in three
days goods were being sold as if nothing had happened.
The Temperance Hall was transformed into a big bazaar,
and in a week's time the employes were found a workroom.
The Committee then turned to the reconstruction of the
building. The result of the reconstruction of the building was
that they had gone one more storey, though the added storey
was not of the same dimensions as the other rooms, as
they had had difficulties about interference, with rights of
light. There was also this gratifying point about the
Co-operative Society Limited. 301
structure : it had been erected by Bolton builders, and the
sub-contractors were Bolton firms employing Bolton men,
men who were almost all members of the Bolton Co-opera-
tive Society, so that in engaging these Bolton firms they
were practically employing their own members. There was
another point, and Mr. Gass with his usual modesty did not
mention it. Mr. Gass assisted the Committee to assess the
amount of damage done by the fire, so that claims could be
made from the insurance companies ; and it was clear that
Mr. Gass did both sides justice, for the insurance societies
admitted they had substantiated their claims, and paid
them almost the sum asked for. He must not forget to
mention, too, that the men who had erected the building
had been paid the union rate of wages, for the work was not
given to any firm who could not tell the Committee — and
the question was asked — that they paid the best rate of
wages. The Committee had an understanding that they
gave out no order, either small or great, unless the sub-con-
tractors were seen and it was ascertained that they paid the
full union rates. If it were found otherwise the Committee
would refuse to give them the contract. Besides that, the
electric light order had not gone from Bolton, but the Mayor,
through the Corporation , had the order. Best of all , the work
of construction had been carried out without accident, for
which the Committee were grateful. He had pleasure in
declaring the building open, and he hoped that it might be
spared from fire or disaster, and enjoy a season of prosperity
such as it had never had.
The Mayor moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Hilton, and
said that it was not his first acquaintance with the Society.
He remembered in the 'sixties the late Mr. Tom Hughes
paying a visit to the Society, and he (His Worship) was
present. The Society had done a good work in promoting
thrift. Thrift was not as much studied in this country as by
Continental people. He knew from personal observation of
the Germans, for instance, that such was the case, and the
Germans who came to England were astonished at the
enormous waste going on in this country. From what he
could gather the Society was a very prosperous body, but
he believed that they were not much beloved by the small
302 History of the Great and Little Bolton
shopkeepers. He had great sympathy with those who were
hard hit, and had to suffer through the prosperity of the
Society, but the welfare of the community had to be
considered rather than the individual, and they could not
get beyond the tendency of the day. If he might express
an opinion — and he had often given utterance to it on the
Board of Guardians and in the Town Council — it was that
they had to pay more for brains than muscle. In the
Corporation they had had experience of paying smaU salaries
and suffering loss. If they wanted a first-class man they
must pay a good salary. He was convinced that the pay-
ment of high salaries to those who were worthy was the
best policy.
Mr. William Yates seconded the resolution.
Mr. Pingstone supported the resolution, and said that no
Society in the movement had a more distinguished place
than the Bolton Society. The Board of the Wholesale
Society had little doubt when they heard of the fire that,
great as was the disaster, the resources of the Society would
be equal to the occasion. He was present at the meetings
from which that Society sprang, and before the first half-
penny of that ;^272. 19s. iijd. to which the Chairman had
referred was spent. He had visited Bolton many times
since, and each visit gave him greater pleasure.
Messrs. Bradshaw and Gass, F.R.I. B. A., as stated, were
the Architects for the building. Although the lower part of
the building had been saved from the fire by the fireproof
construction of the floors, serious damage was occasioned
by the fire coming down the hoists and the central staircase.
The outer walls were also greatly discoloured by the smoke
and flames, and so an entirely new frontage was designed,
and a storey was added to the building. The three lower
storeys are used for general sale purposes, the second floor
for a special showroom, and the two upper floors for work-
rooms for the very large number of hands employed. In
this connection there are spacious kitchens and a large and
weU-lighted dining-room for the hands and the shop
assistants who, for a small payment weekly, are provided
with tea and coffee, and such meals as they bring are cooked
by the attendant free of charge, or meals provided for them
Co-operative Society Limited. 303
at cost price. A free renaissance architectural style has been
adopted, and carried out in Dennis' Ruabon terra-cotta of a
bright variety.
As many of the matters discussed at the Monthly
Meetings this year were of an interesting and valuable
nature, we have gathered together the chief of them.
The Monthly Meeting was held in the Co-operative Hall
on Monday, March 7th, 1904, the President (Mr. W. A.
Hilton) being in the chair. It is some years since such a
large number attended the Monthly Meeting, several reasons
no doubt contributing to this. The first part of the meeting
was declared special, to consider a proposed new rule re
plurality of offices. This subject created a large amount of
discussion, many speakers taking part both for and against
the motion. It soon became apparent as the discussion
proceeded that the resolution had a more far-reaching
effect than the proposer anticipated, the result being
that it was adjourned for one month that it might be
redrafted, when it would again be submitted for further
consideration.
At the Monthly Meeting which was held in the Co-
operative Hall on Monday evening, April 4th, 1904, the
first business was to consider the following, adjourned from
the last Monthly Meeting : —
That no member of the Society, Committee of Management, or
Educational Committee shall hold two elective offices in connection
with or on behalf of the Society at one time, except in the case of
offices for which no remuneration is paid. The term " elective office"
shall not be deemed to include any delegation, or any occasional
appointment in connection with the affairs of our own Society not
of an administrative character. Any person holding more than one
office at the time this rule is registered shall be permitted to serve out
the time for which he was elected to each office.
There was again a fairly large attendance. The subject
was discussed with much vigour by the various speakers,
and great fear was expressed that if this rule were adopted
we might lose our representation on other Co-operative
bodies. It was also vigorously contended that it was the
Society and its position in the movement that chiefly
commanded support, and not altogether its individual
304 History of the Great and Little Bolton
representatives, so that we had nothing to fear in this
respect. After one and a half hour's discussion the vote was
taken and the new rule adopted by a large majority.
A Monthly Meeting was held on Monday evening, June
6th, 1904, in the Co-operative Hall. For some time
the interest taken by the members month by month
had been of a very encouraging character, and, notwith-
standing that we had approached midsummer, this interest
did not seem to abate. At the commencement of the
proceedings the Chairman referred to the great loss the
town had sustained by the death of Mr. J. P. Thomasson.
Mr. Hilton referred to the various movements that had
received assistance at his hands, especially anything con-
nected with education, and that, through the unique position
he occupied, there would be great difficulty in filling his
place, and he moved that the Secretary be instructed on
behalf of that meeting to forward a vote of condolence to
Mrs. Thomasson and her family in their great bereavement,
the same being carried by all the members present rising
in their places. The minutes of the last meeting and also of
the Committee of Management for the past month having
been read, questions were asked re the Committee's decision
in regard to the Society's contribution to the Convalescent
Scheme, the reply being that the Committee could not at
present recommend any deviation from the resolution
passed by the meeting of members. On general business a
short discussion took place with reference to the assistance
given by the Society in consequence of the distress in the
town, and it was left to the Committee's discretion to
continue that assistance.
DEATH OF MR. J. P. THOMASSON.
It is with the deepest regret that we place on record the death of
Mr. J. P. Thomasson. It is only a few weeks since he was taking
an active interest in the affairs of his native town, and not many
were aware of his dangerous illness till the announcement appeared
in the papers a day or two before his death. The fact that a great
personality has been removed from us is evident on every hand.
The way he had endeared himself to many sections of the community
was the carrying into practice those special characteristics which
go to make the ideal man. Simplicity and gentleness of character
was a great feature in Mr. Thomasson's life, and made it possible for
Co-operative Society Limited. 305
the humblest of his fellow-townsmen to approach him. We cannot
measure the circle of his influence, but the number of associations in
which he took an active interest indicates that it must have been
very wide indeed, and no doubt this part of his life will have
impressed itself upon those who laboured with him more than any
other. His generosity was great, but the gift of his talents, his
abilities, to the public service will always be a memorial to him.
Perhaps it will be as an ardent educationalist that will cause
him to be long remembered. The institutions, which are of a varied
character, and bear his honoured name, will always remind us of the
breadth of his character. His interest extended far beyond
elementary education, though his exhibition and scholarships will
be sufficient to keep this association to the front. Physical develop-
ment, the cultivation of a taste of fine arts, and anything that had
an uplifting tendency Mr. Thomasson was prepared to help and
encourage.
The cause of progress in its varied forms ever found in him a
strong and earnest advocate. He recognised in the Co-operative
movement a mighty force in solving the great industrial problems.
His appreciation of the educational work of this Society was shown
when he placed the Thomasson Reading-room under the manage-
ment of the Educational Committee. This is in itself a public
testimonial of Mr. Thomasson's generosity, and of the breadth of
his views, for in it we see a feature which appears in all his generous
acts — the spirit of freedom. The gifts he bestowed were to be
unfettered. All must have the privilege of participation ; and whilst
this institution is managed by the Co-operative Society it is open to
any resident in Bolton, the only test being that of respectability.
The public of Bolton have many things to thank Mr. Thomasson for,
and, whilst he is not amongst us to receive the same, we can try to
emulate his spirit to carry with us the same purity of motive:
Cream separating and butter making machinery being
required by the Dairy Department in order to more fully
develop this branch of their trade, the matter was fixed up
at the Committee Meeting, Monday, May 2nd, 1904, by the
following resolution : —
That the necessary implements for cream separating and butter
making be ordered for the dairy.
The following are the chief resolutions met with at this
period : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, September 26th, 1904. — That we
take on lease a plot of land on Bury Road, Breightmet, for a Branch
Store.
Quarterly Meeting, Monday, August ist, 1904. — That the resolu-
tion of the last Quarterly Meeting empowering the Committee to
vote a sum of money to the relief of distress be now confirmed.
3o6 History of the Great and Little Bolton
The Committee here reported that they had distributed £^25,
and the meeting empowered them to make further distributions to
the extent of ;£2oo if found to be necessary.
Committee Meeting, Monday, October loth, 1904- — That at the
request of our Educational Department we place an item on the
agenda for the Quarterly Meeting asking the members to confirm the
appointment of Mr. Grindrod as the representative of the Society
on the Educational Committee of the Corporation in place of Mr.
Tunstall, who has resigned.
Committee Meeting, Tuesday, October nth, 1904- — That in the
opinion of this Committee the Society has grown out of the present
check system, and that there is some need of modification of same ;
that we recommend the next Quarterly Meeting to dispense with the
£1 copper checks, and to adopt a paper transfer check in their stead.
Committee Meeting, Monday, October 17th, 1904. — A meeting of
the General and Educational Committees was held to consider the
proposal of Mr. Mannix re the reading of the Educational Committee's
minutes. It was unanimously agreed to recommend that we con-
tinue as at present, with the exception that at the Monthly Meet-
ings when the delegates are appointed to the C.W.S. meeting the
Educational Committee's minutes should be read before the appoint-
ment of delegates.
Quarterly Meeting, Monday, November 7th, 1904. — That the
action of the Educational Committee in having appointed their
Secretary (Mr. Grindrod) to represent the Society on the Educational
Committee of the Corporation be confirmed.
That we tender to Mr. John Tunstall a hearty vote of thanks for
the long and valuable services he has rendered to the Society, first
as a Director and once President of the Society, afterwards a member
of our Educational Committee, and the Society's representative on
the Educational Committee of the County Borough of Bolton.
Co-operative Society Limited. 307
CHAPTER XXXVI.
1905.
A Record Issue — Alteration in Check System — Its Success —
Dividend Reserve Fund Originator — Breightmet Branch
Approved — Annual Party — Individualistic Position U^n-
tenahle — Wisdom of Holding Together — Sale of Rochdale
Corn Mill — New Offices and Educational Department
Arranged for — Former Site Cleared and Cottages Erected
— Description of Abattoirs — Difficulties met with in
Constructing them — Death of Mr. Hackney — Mr. Pomfret
Appointed Manager and Mr. Bentley Secretary — Refusal
of Application for Laying Electric Cable — Secretary's
Report for Year.
DURING the week ending January 14th, 1905, we had
a record issue in our Lending Library, the number
being 3,815. The daily issues were as follows : —
Monday, 535 ; Tuesday, 638 ; Wednesday, 141 (the Library
being closed at 12-30) ; Thursday, 786 ; Friday, 664 ;
Saturday, 1,051.
The Alteration in the Check System.
The alteration in the check system, which had been in
operation for several weeks, so far appeared to be working
satisfactorily, and proving a convenience both to customers
and shopmen. It is quarter end, however, which is the true
test as to the merits of the change, and we find members
have got so accustomed to the change as to fall into the
arrangements naturally. As has been said before, the
success of the alteration depends entirely on members taking
their checks to the Branches. Some few members raised
objections to taking their checks to the Branches, giving as
their reason that they did not want the shopmen to see how
much money they had in the Society. Any person who
has a banking account must have their book seen by some-
body or it is of no value. We have every confidence in our
3o8 History of the Great and Little Bolton
shopmen, and believe they are equally as reliable and
trustworthy as our office staff, and feel sure that any member
may go to any Branch with confidence and a feeling of
certainty that his trust will not be betrayed. If, however,
there should be any members who cannot overcome this
scruple, why not take their checks to the next nearest
Branch ? If you trade with the shop on your right hand
take your checks to the shop on your left hand. We hope
that on further reflection members will see that, whether
shopmen or clerks, they are all servants of the Society,
striving to do their duty for the good of the Society, and
that members will also play their part by showing their
confidence in their servants ; and if at any time any servant
is found to be unworthy of the confidence placed in him, the
remedy is with the man and not with the system ; and any
man found to have so betrayed his trust as to cause annoy-
ance to any member wiU be so dealt with by the Committee
as to ensure the offence never being repeated.
The new check system was adopted after very careful considera-
tion and investigation. Reports from our various Branches, and
also from the Central, lead to the conclusion that the work was got
through very comfortably, and with little or no inconvenience ; and,
seeing that both employes and members were new to the work, we
may reasonably conclude that with another quarter's experience
members will be served with the usual despatch. One of the
objections raised to the change was that members would not take
their books to the Branches. It is pleasing to note, however, that
more than half of the books sent in were taken in at the Branches.
This speaks well for a first attempt, and we hear that the arrange-
ments worked well and gave general satisfaction. The members
who went last time to the Branches were served in comfort, and will
go again, and as it becomes better known many others will follow.
At the Central, too, there was more comfort. Under the old arrange-
ment on the last two days (Saturday and Monday) we had one huge
crowd from morning to night ; under the new arrangements we had
no Monday checktaking, and the only great crush on the Saturday
was the last half-hour of the day. There are some members who
persist in doing their business not only on the last day, but at the
last moment. If those members would remember that the office is
open for two full weeks for checktaking purposes, and if they could
be persuaded to do their business a little earlier, there would be no
crush at all ; everybody would be served comfortably, the risk of
mistakes would be reduced to a minimum, and our new check system
would be pronounced to be the correct thing for a large business like
ours,
Co-operative Society Limited. 309
The usual Monthly Meeting was held in the Co-operative
Hall on Monday, January 2nd, when, no doubt owing to
the hohdays, the number present was small. Mr. HUton
(President of the Society) occupied the chair. Commenting
upon the affairs of the Society during the past year, he
stated that in the first half the sales were very fair, but the
second half, owing, as they were all aware, to the state of
trade in the town, there had been considerable falling off
compared with the same period of the previous year. Not-
withstanding this, they had kept the whole of their staff
connected with their distributive departments at work,
thereby increasing considerably the working expenses.
In the minutes of the Committee of Management a divi-
dend of 3s. in the £ was declared, the profits made and a
portion of the dividend reserve fund allowing this. In
discussing this matter Mr. Crossley referred to the value of
this fund, and said that all honour was due to Mr. Flitcroft,
who was the person to suggest this means of providing for
such times as the present.
The Breightmet extension was provided for in the
resolution passed at the Committee Meeting, Thursday,
March 30th, 1905 : —
That the plans submitted by the Architect for the premises at
Breightmet be adopted, making provision for a Grocery Department,
a Butchering Department, and a dwelling-house, and that tenders
be asked for the erection of same.
The Annual Party.
The Annual Tea Party and Entertainment took place
on Saturday, February i8th, and proved, as heretofore,
most successful and enjoyable. The retiring President
(Mr. W. A. Hilton) was once more in the chair. He was
supported by the Rev. E. A. Forrest, M. A. (Vicar of Pember-
ton), the speaker selected, and members of the Board of
Directors and of the Educational Committee, with the
respective Secretaries, and by gentlemen from a distance.
Not a few weU-known ardent Co-operators occupied reserved
seats. His Worship the Mayor (Aid. Heywood, J. P.) took a
place upon the platform in the course of the evening, and
was heartily applauded in doing so.
310 History of the Great and. Little Bolton
Mr. Hilton gave his usual long list of facts and figures,
which showed what the Society had done during its forty-
five years' existence. He said he had a right to be thankful
and proud, and he did feel proud that their Society had done
so much within these periods, and that they had grown to
such a position of prosperity — this, notwithstanding bad
trade and aU the forces that could be brought against them
in various ways. They were sound in every form, finan-
cially, too, as sound as any undertaking they could mention.
Let him (the speaker) say he was proud of the Society again,
first because it elevated and improved the condition of all
its members in a social and material condition. Twenty-
five years ago they would not have found in the homes of
the working classes all the comforts and conveniences they
now saw. A great part of the improvements and surround-
ings in these homes had been brought about by the work
of Co-operation. Secondly, the Society had been, and were
still, model employers of labour. How many people were
aware that they had 871 employes working under the
best possible conditions — shorter hours and good wages ?
The Rev. E. F. Forrest was received with loud applause.
He said the very best way to spread the truth about Co-
operation was for those who knew about it to tell those who
did not know what its principles and purposes were. A
great many people were perplexed just now because of the
adverse criticisms being brought to bear upon the movement
from outside, so that if they were to speak about Co-opera-
tion they had better try to thoroughly understand it
themselves. Let him say at once it was because they did
not all quite understand the meaning of the terms they
used that so much misapprehension existed around. What
he said v/as, therefore, that if people wanted to know what
others were talking about they must know the meaning of
the terms used. Having touched on the great effect the
spirit of Co-operation was likely to have on the destinies of
mankind throughout the ages, the reverend gentleman
went on to say the Chairman had shown them that the
condition of the Bolton Co-operative Society was much
brighter and happier now than twenty-five years ago.
Why was this ? During this period they had certain causes
Co-operative Society Limited. 311
working together for one common end, namely, the good of
all, giving them a brighter, wider, and happier life in every
way. Co-operation and trade unions had worked side by
side. They had gradually learned the wisdom of holding
together for the sake of all ; they had shown in a practical
manner how they were " each for all, and all for each."
Their Friendly Societies had worked in line with them also,
teaching them how to make provision for sickness and death.
All these forces had worked together for their good, making
them feel they belonged to one great brotherhood, that they
had common interests, that it was a wise principle to help one
another rather than that each one should think about him-
self and no one else. The spirit of Co-operation was indeed
the spirit of the age. He was not at all surprised that some
people who had shops did not like Co-operation, yet let
them look around and they would find that in any large
town into which they chose to go — Manchester, Liverpool,
Birmingham, for instance — certain names in the principal
streets, shops, some of them, owned by syndicates, not by
private individuals, but by combines ; by people who,
often enough, had not the slightest interest in the particular
town, and whose only wish and desire it was to get as much
money out of trade as possible. This was co-operation ;
but different to their (the Bolton Society's) Co-operation.
He said again that the day of individualism had absolutely
gone, and that the individual trader was having a very hard
time of it. They had traders' associations coming into life
to protect the interests of the private traders. He had not
the slightest objection to this. Traders had a right to protect
their interests in every legitimate way. But what many
traders said was, " You have not an equal right to open a
shop of your own." Yet here was the irony of the situation,
that it was only by combining together that the traders
themselves could succeed. He would like to show how,
under their Co-operative system, they could exercise an
immense moral influence if they would. Assistants wanted
half holidays ; Co-operators gave them. They wanted
shorter hours ; Co-operators gave them. They did not
keep open too long on Saturday nights. They were able to
control their own business, their own conditions of labour,
312 History of the Great and Little Bolton
and from the highest and best motives. Nor did he think
the Co-operative movement had suffered in the least from
the commercial point of view because of these holidays and
shorter hours. They showed Parhament itself how shorter
hours could be secured by doing the thing themselves, and
in this way they set an example to others. In Bolton, not-
withstanding a time of bad trade, they could point to
increased membership, and to what Co-operation had done
for them. Let them go on prospering ; let them understand
still more thoroughly what Co-operation really meant. In
this way they would be able all the better to spread the
cause among their friends, and, at the same time, to refute
the criticisms of their opponents.
The question of the absorption of the Rochdale Corn
Mill by the Wholesale Society having come prominently to the
front r.t this time, in order that our interests in this concern
might be safeguarded the following arrangement was entered
into at the Committee Meeting, Thursday, May i8th, 1905 : —
That we appoint Mr. Yates to represent this Society on the Pro-
visional Committee appointed to confer with the C.W.S. with
reference to the sale of the Rochdale Corn Mill.
Later on it was intimated to the members that the C.W.S.
had decided to purchase.
Further office accommodation being required, and also
by the Educational Department, seeing that the rooms
occupied by them were required by the Tailoring Depart-
ment as workrooms, a decision was arrived at that the piece
of land adjoining the butchers' shop in Bow Street, the
property of the Society, should be utilised. This was
approved of at the Committee Meeting, Monday, October
9th, 1905, by the following resolution : —
That we approve of the scheme of the Architect for the erection
of Educational premises and ofhces in Bow Stieet, and that the
matter be placed on the agenda of the Quarterly Meeting for the
consideration of the members.
On submitting the matter to the Quarterly Meeting,
Monday, November 6th, 1905, the following decision was
made : —
That the Committee be empowered to proceed with the scheme
for the erection of the new Educational premises and general offices
on the land in Bow Street.
Co-operative Society Limited. 313
These were opened in the Jubilee year, 1909.
The result of this resolution was that the land which had
been bought in St. George's Street for the purpose of the
Educational Department had then to be dealt with in some
fashion so as to utilise it to the best advantage. The matter
was discussed and dealt with in the fashion recorded in the
two resolutions subjoined : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, October 23rd, 1905. — That the old
property in St. George's Street be taken down and the land cleared.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, December 14th, 1905. — That we
proceed with the erection of three cottages on the land in St. George's
Street, Bolton.
Description of Abattoirs.
The increased volume of the butchering business, and
the desirability of dealing in the most hygienic manner with
so important a branch of the Society's work, caused the
Committee to consider the question of reconstruction of the
Abattoirs in All Saints' Street. Increased space was neces-
sary, and early in 1904 it was decided to provide additional
accommodation by the pulling down of cottages in
Henshaw's and Brewery Courts, and adding these areas to
the buildings. These proposals were embodied in the plans
prepared by Messrs. Bradshaw and Gass, F.R.I. B. A., and
received the approval of the Committee. At the outset
difficulties were encountered, as it was contended by the
authorities that the remodelling of the premises would
materially increase the size of the slaughtering area, and
this would exceed the powers under the existing licence, and,
after much negotiation, it was finally decided to retain the
old foundations of slaughter-houses, and reconstruct the
whole of the upper part of the premises, thus giving adequate
accommodation, arranged on the most modern and hygienic
principles, for the carrying on of this most important branch
of the Society's business. The scheme also included the
provision of large new cattle and sheep lairages, hanging
and cooling houses, making-up departments, storerooms,
engine-house, refrigerator,' heating apparatus, &c., all these
departments being largely increased in size, and so disposed
as to give proper working conditions and sequence of the
314 History of the Great and Little Bolton
various stages in the preparation of the meat for consump-
tion. All the departments are lofty, well ventilated,
specially adapted for their business, particular attention
having been given to the drainage arrangements and venti-
lation appliances to secure the very best conditions of
working. Everywhere health and cleanliness have been
considered. The walls are lined with glazed brick dados,
floors of hard granite concrete so laid that they can all be
washed and cleansed effectively at aU times. The whole of
the premises have now been in full use for some years, and
the greatly improved and more economical conditions are
sure to be advantageous to the Society.
The work connected with this extension was started in
August, 1904, and finally completed in December, 1905,
and, as the work of this department had to be carried on
during the whole of the time the alterations were being
carried out, the results obtained in the fine abattoirs we now
possess are gratifying indeed. They are as good as any other
establishment in the town. As showing some of the diffi-
culties met with from the Corporation of Bolton, the
following resolutions passed in 1904 are true records
thereof.
Committee Meeting, Monday, October 3rd, 1904. — That the
Secretary do sign on behalf of the Society an agreement made between
the Society of the one part and the Bolton Corporation on the other
part, being an agreement relating to the stopping up of the Brewery
Court, off All Saints' Street, Bolton.
That, not being able to come to a satisfactory understanding with
the Corporation, our Architect be instructed to so alter the plans for
our slaughter-house extensions as not to interfere with the actual
slaughtering area.
That our Solicitors be instructed to watch the proposals of the
Corporation seeking further Parliamentary power to deal with
private slaughter-houses, with a view to seeing that our rights in
our own slaughter-houses are not interfered with.
At the Committee Meeting, Monday, November 20th,
1905, the Chairman referred to the sudden death of our
General Manager (Mr. Hackney), and it was resolved that
a letter of condolence be sent to his widow, ' also that the
whole of the Committee be requested to attend his
funeral.
Co-operative Society Limited. 315
This rendered the management vacant, and the matter
was dealt with in the following fashion at the Committee
Meeting, Friday, November 24th, 1905 : —
That we adhere to the old policy of having a General Manager ;
that the position be offered to our Secretary (Mr. Pomfret) ; that we
do not deem it necessary to advertise the same.
By this decision another Secretary became necessary,
and the following appointment was made at the Committee
Meeting, Friday, December ist, 1905 : —
That Mr. WilUam Bentley be appointed Secretary of the Society,
and that he take up the duties as from Tuesday next, the 5th inst.
At the Monthly Meeting, which was held in the Co-opera-
tive Hall on Monday, evening, December 4th, 1905, Mr.
William Yates (President of the Society) occupying the
chair, before commencing the usual business the President
moved a vote of condolence with Mrs. Hackney in the great
loss she had sustained in the loss of her husband, the late
respected Manager of the Society.
Mr. W. A. Hilton (a former President) seconded, and it
was supported by Messrs. John Horrocks, Alfred Grundy,
and Thomas Crossley, aU testifying to the valuable services
he had rendered, and to his genial disposition towards those
who came in contact with him.
The vote was passed by the members, silently rising, a
letter of condolence being afterwards sent.
One of the annoying features of this year was the decision
of the Bolton Town Council on Wednesday, October 25th,
rejecting the application of our Society to lay electric cables
from our Central premises to the Bark Street premises.
This was very much to be regretted, inasmuch as it was the
intention to lay the cables across Bow Street, Back Bridge
Street, to Bark Street, the only part of Bridge Street to be
taken up being the width of that street near the Tailoring
Department. This was a privilege our Society asked for,
and for which they were prepared to pay. Whilst sympa-
thising to a great extent with municipal trading, especially
when any particular trade becomes a necessity and is for
the benefit of the whole community, yet we do not think
this ought to interfere with private enterprise, when such is
being carried on in a manner that the whole town is the
3i6 History of the Great and Little Bolton
better for it. With the Society this was purely a matter of
business, and as business men the Committee of Manage-
ment desired to adopt the best means of carrying on their
business successfully. The plant being already laid down,
it was of the utmost importance that the same should be
utilised to the fullest extent.
In looking over the manner ia which the discussion went
at the two meetings, we can come to no other conclusion than
that the Electricity Committee intended, as far as possible,
to monopolise the production of this important power, which
is doing so much to revolutionise so many of our industries.
The opposition to our request seems to have been of a
two-fold character — the question of Jjrinciple, and the
danger that might accrue to the existing gas and water
mains. On the admission of the mover of the amendment,
permission was given to another firm to lay a cable across
a street some four years ago, so that no amount of argument
can alter the fact that already a precedent had been estab-
lished. With regard to the risk to be run in consequence of
important gas and water mains having to be crossed, it was
evident that the Streets Committee, who were directly
responsible to the CouncD., were prepared to take these risks.
As was pointed out, these difficulties have been met in other
towns and overcome, and it does appear that this might
have been faced in a more reasonable spirit, and enterprise
encouraged, so as to bring credit to all concerned.
The section of the Municipal Corporation Act read by
the Town Clerk, and the construction he put upon it, was
no doubt a surprise, the general impression being that
members of Co-operative Societies were exempt from these
disabilities by the Industrial and Provident Societies Act.
That this should have been sprung upon the Council imme-
diately before the voting was manifestly unfair, and the
matter must be carefully watched in future, and care taken
that it has a general application.
The result of this decision is that we now have to use
Corporation electricity for the lighting of the Bark Street
premises, instead of, as was proposed and was the case
prior to the removal of the overhead cable, using electricity
generated by our own plant.
Co-operative Society Limited. 317
This report of the work of the year 1905 is interesting
from the fact that it was the first report issued by Mr. Wm.
Bentley as Secretary of the Society : —
My first duty in reviewing the past year and its events is to refer
to the changes that have taken place in the management of the
Society by the severance of one who, in times past, has presented
to you many of these annual reports, and for the past fifteen years
has acted as General Manager. The late Mr. Alfred Hackney, J. P.,
has served, the Society for a very long period, and has done more
than an ordinary share in building up our Society to its present
magnitude, and his removal by death takes away another link from
the chain of the few pioneers now remaining who were associated
with the earliest history of our Society. This we all very deeply
regret.
Let me now take the opportunity of congratulating the members
on the continued progress of the movement in Bolton, the year that
has just closed having been no exception to the success of Co-opera-
tion, which has become to be almost a household word in this
borough of ours. A perusal of the facts and figures as mentioned
"herein will, I venture to assert, convince even the most' pessimistic
of the soundness, stability, and honesty in dealing of our Society,
and at the same time, I trust, influence you to put still greater con-
fidence, and to give to the Society all your business, and so help the
Committee and officials to make the year igo6 a still greater success
than any of its predecessors.
Turning to the monetary side of our business, whilst we cannot
boast a record year, yet we can record an increase in our turnover
for the year. Notwithstanding the fact that for three parts of the
year we were still under the cloud of trade depression — so much so
that the sales for the third quarter in the year showed a, decrease
of ;f 10,000 on 1903 — yet for the December quarter we actually show
an increase of ;£3,8oo over the same period of our record year, 1903.
The sales for the past year have been ^^803, 169, showing an increase
of ;^i3,4i6 over the previous year.
Our registers still keep recording new and increasing membership,
the members on the books now being 32,292, an increase on the year
of 923. The share capital standing to the credit of such members
has grown during the year by £13,903, the amount subscribed being
;f665,558. During the year we have credited to members on their
investments ;£2o,3oi as interest.
We are pleased to state that the standard rate of dividend, viz.,
3S. in the £, which we have now paid for four years, has again been
maintained throughout the year 1905, the profits made amounting
to ;fi26,092. Of this amount the members have been credited with
;£il6,8i7 as dividend on their purchases at 3s, in the £ ; the Educa-
tional Department has received ;£3,i52, and a Uke amount has been
paid to employes as bonus on their wages ; commission to other
Societies, on account of their members' purchases with us, £1^2 ;
and we have strengthened our position by adding to dividend reserve
3i8 History of the Great and Little Bolton
fund ;^i,5oo, and to general reserve fund ;^5oo, and have carried
forward the balance of ^584. 13s. jjd.
The usual charities have not been neglected, for during the year
we have subscribed to various hospitals and institutions the amount
of ;^4i8. Thus it will be seen that not only do members profit by
membership, but the town itself receives a proportion of the profits
to aid it in its efforts to relieve the suffering and poverty in our midst.
Turning now to our balance sheet proper, I would like to draw
your attention to our investments, all of which are a source of profit
to the Society. A glance at the investment account will show you
that we have no less a sum than ^^206,000 invested in Co-operative
productive concerns, railways, corporations, &c., from which we
have received during the year ^7,585 as interest, which averages 3I
per cent on our investments, which we consider are, on the whole,
well placed and in sound concerns.
Our Cottage Building Department is also a grand source of
revenue to the Society, in addition to being a great boon to many of
our members. The interest received 'during the year through this
branch of our business amounts to £12,723. The advances during
the year have been ;^6i,900 ; repaid by borrowers, £57,600 ; leaving
owing to the Society ;£3i8,472, which is now spread over 1,877
accounts.
In addition to the aforesaid profit-making investments, the
Society owns its premises, telephone plant, coal wagons, horses, and
carts. Sec, which stand in the Society's books at ^149,389, though
they have cost from time to time ;^25i,595, no less a sum than
;£io2,205 (or over 35 per cent) having been written off in the shape
of depreciation. During the past year £4,903 has been written off
our premises in this manner.
The whole of the above investments are backed up with good
reserves, the general reserve fund now standing at £13,603, the
dividend reserve fund £1,301. To these items, however, will have
to be added the amounts shown in December profit and loss account
of £1,000, bringing our total reserve up to £15,904, an increase on the
year of £300.
Our own insurance fund has grown during the year by £660, and
now reaches £9,883.
I would not like to omit from my first report a word on our Chil-
dren's Savings Bank ; it is here we have to look for the future pillars
of the movement. I am pleased to report that there is still that
desire to be thrifty. During the year their investments have
increased from £31,686 to £33,651, whilst to their credit they have
received £932 as interest. The number of depositors now reaches
close on 21,000.
During the year alterations have been completed at the slaughter-
house. Old buildings have been purchased and taken down, and in
their place, and adjacent to our old premises, we have now standing
one of the most up-to-date abattoirs in the country, containing large
cattle lairage, slaughter and dressing rooms, with the usual appur-
tenances.
Co-operative Society Limited. 319
CHAPTER XXXVII.
1906.
The Soap Trust — Its Probable Effects — lis Failure — Cheese
Judging — Death of Mr. Crook — Annual Party — Official
Changes — Scope of the Society — Tributes to Pioneers and
President — Petition on Free Importation of Canadian
Cattle — Plymouth Society's Libel Action — May Day
Procession — Bow Street Office Extension — Further Deaths
Recorded — Solicitors' Charges Reduced — Banana Con-
ditioning Room Provided — Laundry Considered — Lamb
Brow Land Acquired — Mr. Forher Appointed J. P. —
Soap Again — Need to Support Co-operative Productions
— Secretary's Report for Year.
CHE one great question that claimed the attention of
the newspaper world at this time was the much-
talked-of soap combine. It loomed so large that it
almost overshadowed the business of the Imperial Parlia-
ment. It was the first subject of conversation whenever
Co-operators met, and the question was often asked : What
are the leaders in the movement going to do in the matter ?
Certainly an opportunity presented itself that could not
have been secured by the spending of hundreds of pounds
in advertising. The country had been aroused, and the
attention of the people drawn to the possible formation of
one of those trusts which in the past had largely benefited
those at the head at the expense of the worker.
Much had been done up to that time to obtain the trade
in this useful commodity from Co-operators, and success
in this direction had to a certain extent been secured. Now,
however, was the time for a bold step on the part of those
at the head to be taken, to see that no efforts were spared
in bringing before the members the effect this monopoly
320 History of the Great and Little Bolton
would have if it were successful. The members themselves
could play a very important part in this matter if they
realised that as a Society we have large investments with the
Wholesale Society, and that the Wholesale manufactures
soap of various qualities, and, though doing a very respect-
able amount by way of trade, are yet prepared to increase
the output very largely. This is also important as regards
the workers, and, as the members of the Co-operative move-
ment are chiefly drawn from this class, it is our duty to see
that the rights and privileges of aU workers are protected.
But, after all, these great schemes are not without their
lessons. They bring before us with greater force possibilities
that had hitherto made only a faint impression. We see,
in the scheme referred to, the power accumulated capital
may possess, and as such control the industries of the
people, pointing to the time when these industries wiU be
carried on by the collective capital of the people in the
interest of the people.
Co-operators watched with interest the proposed soap
combine. That such -brusts are not conducive to the best
interests of the workers has been proved beyond doubt,
and, judging the attitude of both the wholesale and retail
dealers, it is feared that they, as well as the consumer, would
have suffered. Fortunately, the scheme failed. Too many
powers were arrayed against it, no small one being the
power of Co-operation to supply their wants themselves.
The Co-operative movement has been honoured, and the Bolton
and Farnworth Societies especially so, by the selection of their
respective Managers, Messrs. Pomfret and Allen, as cheese judges
at the Great Eccleston Agricultural Show, the most representative
Agricultural Show in the Fylde district. It was no mean task that
these two gentlemen had to perform, 237 cheeses being in evidence,
yet their work was done in such a manner as to give every satisfaction
to all concerned. Further, the fact that two such important ofificials
in our respective Societies should be selected to act in this capacity
will give confidence to every member, for it is evident that persons
outside the movement are prepared to put trust in their judgment. "
It is with very deep regret that we have to place on
record the death of one whose name for many years
was associated with our Society, viz., Mr. James P. Crook.
Co-operative Society Limited. 321
Mr. Crook, who was sixty years of age and had been in
failing health for some time, on Friday, February .gth, 1506,
passed away after a somewhat distressing illness. As a
Co-operator, Mr. Crook was thorough and active. Amongst
his work outside the Society Mr. Crook was, no doubt, best
known as Secretary to the Bolton District Co-operative
Association, which position he held for many years. He
will be very much missed at the quarterly conferences, the
quiet and unobtrusive manner in which he carried on his
work being charaiteristic of the man himself. The Com-
mittee of Management and the Educational Committee
forwarded letters of condolence and sympathy to his widow
and family, in which every member of the Society certainly
joined. He was interred at St. Peter's, HalliweU, on
Thursday afternoon, February 15th, 1906, amid many
manifestations of sympathy.
On the occasion of the forty-sixth Annual Tea Party
and Entertainment on Saturday, February 17th, members
to the number of 1,000 assembled for a well-served tea, and
they were joined by numerous delegates from surrounding
towns, full of interest in the Bolton Society and its pheno-
menal growth. Tea over, there was an adjournment to
the Temperance Hall for the speaking and entertainment.
In this respect Co-operators afford an excellent example, to
other bodies. A splendid entertainment is provided, and
it is not allowed to suffer owing to prolific speaking. Mr.
William Yates (President) was supported in the chair by
the officials and members of the General and Educational
Committees.
Mr. Yates said he was conscious of one advantage he
had over the artistes who had pleased them so weU in that
he had no fear of an encore. But it carried with it a
disadvantage, for, as they were anxious to resume the
programme, they would be equally desirous that the speeches
should be speedily finished. If he were duU he would
promise them that he would not be long. He sincerely
hoped they would carry out their promises to read the
report, for it contained information which was of Ihe
greatest importance to every one of them. There was one
w
322 History of the Great and Little Bolton
feature in it that happily was not often seen there. He
referred to the death of their Manager (Mr. Hackney).
He had gone, but the memory of his life, his iidehty to the
Society, and to those who were members of it, ought to be
an inspiration to them to be true to that to which they had
put their hands. He was thankful to say that, whilst they
had lost one who had been faithful above measure, they
had been able to place in his position one who had grown
with the Society. The Committee had not had the least
doubt since they made the appointment that Mr. Pomfret
was the right man for the place. Further, the one whom
they had appointed to fiU the office of Secretary, formerly
occupied by Mr. Pomfret, had also proved to them that he
was the right man for the position. They might rest content
that, whilst they had as permanent officials men with
enthusiasm for the Society, whose love for its best interests
was dear to their hearts, they need have no fear but that
the future progress of the Society would be as marked as it
had been in the past. He wondered if they had thought
about the link of connection there was between the Society
to-day and the distant past, the days of nearly fifty years
ago, when a few handloom weavers formed the Society.
They were bold men, and they were men of zeal, faith, and
enthusiasm. They laid the foundations of the Society deep
and broad, and they were now building upon foundations
well and truly laid, so that when they thought of their
great and gigantic position they must not forget the men
who laid their foundations. The past had been glorious
almost beyond man's thought. The future he believed
to be absolutely safe. They had not the least doubt
what the future would be. There were many young
men and young women there that night, and to them
he wanted to make a claim and an appeal. " The Old
Brigade " of the Society was passing away. They had
fought their battles, and they had won their victories.
In the fight they were courageous and faithful beyond
measure, and they were leaving them a grand, a priceless
heritage, and it was for those younger in life, with strength
of body, mind, and heart, to carry forward to its highest
development the Society of which they were members.
Co-operative Society Limited. 323
At the Committee Meeting, Monday, February 12th,
1906, the Chairman referred to the death of Mr. James P.
Crook, an active member of the Society, and the Secretary
was instructed to send a letter of condolence to his widow
and family. It was also resolved that we be represented at
the funeral.
The following are the most interesting resolutions of
this year. They explain themselves.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, March 22nd, 1906. — That a
petition from this Society be sent to the members of Parliament
praying for an amendment of the existing Acts so as to allow of the
free importation of Canadian cattle into this country.
The success of the Plymouth Society in their action
against the Tradesman and Shopkeeper wiH no doubt deter
others from making unwarrantable attacks on either
Co-operators or other individuals who happen to do their
trade on different lines than themselves. In his summing
up the judge said a paper had a right to comment fairly,
and it would-be a matter of pubhc interest if they could
prove that a Co-operative Society, or any Society, was
robbing its members. But if the facts were not true to the
writer's knowledge he might as weU write what was untrue.
Our sympathy was shown at the Committee Meeting,
Monday, April gth, 1906, when it was resolved that a
letter of congratulation be forwarded to the Plymouth
Society on the result of the libel action.
Committee Meeting, Monday, May 7th, 1906. — That a letter
[rom this Committee be sent to the carters, congratulating them on
the smart appearance of their horses, &c., in the May Day procession.
The Committee of Management forwarded to the carters
in the employ of the Society a letter of congratulation on
their smart turnout in the May Day procession. This will,
no doubt, be supported by every member who was privileged
to witness it, regret being often expressed at the unsatis-
factory state of the weather, which no doubt marred the
effect.
Committee Meeting, Monday, May 14th, 1906. — That Messrs.
Bradshaw and Gass be instructed to prepare plans for a building in
Bow Street three storeys high, for office and Educational Depart-
ment accommodation.
324 History of the Great and Little Bolton
These premises were completed and opened at Jubilee
time in igog.
At the Monthly Meeting, Monday, June 4th, 1906, the
Chairman referred to the death of Mr. Squire H. Pilkington,
once a Director of this Society ; also to the death of Mr.
Thomas Smith, the oldest servant of the Society, he having
served the Society for forty-five years. It was resolved
that letters of sympathy be sent to the bereaved families.
At the Commirttee Meeting on Monday, June i8th, 1906,
the Chairman referred to the death of Mr. James Grime, a
servant of the Society for the past nineteen years, and also
a former Director of the Society. It was resolved that a
letter of sympathy be sent to his family.
Committee Meeting, Monday, July 23rd, 1906. — That we agree
to the reduced scale of charges to be made by our Solicitors for
completing the transfer of the purchase of property.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, July 26th, 1906. — That a banana
conditioning room be provided in the Central Grocery Warehouse.
A Monthly Meeting was held on Monday evening,
September 3rd, Mr. W. J. Bradley (President of the Society)
being in the chair. It was reported through the minutes of
the Committee of Management that twenty shares had
been taken up in the Deane Manufacturing Company, and
the question of a loan of £5,000 was under consideration.
'Land had been already secured for a new shop in Great
Lever in close proximity to the Great Lever and Ocean
Spinning Companies. The question of a Laundry occupied
attention at this time, though nothing eventuated therefrom
of a practical character which had for its result a develop-
ment of this kind locally.
Committee Meeting, Monday, November 12th, 1906. — That we
accept the offer of a plot of land for a Branch Store situate at the
corner of Lamb Brow and Eden Street, Astley Bridge.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, December 6th, 1906. — That we
extend to our colleague Mr. William Forber our very hearty con-
gratulations on his appointment as a Justice of the Peace for the
County Borough of Bolton.
A Monthly Meeting was held on Monday evening, April
2nd, Mr. W. J. Bradley (the newly-elected President) being
in the chair. It was agreed to recommend the next
Co-operative Society Limited. 325
quarterly meeting to pay to the North-Western Con-
valescent Association the surn of £500, this being agreed
upon as a portion of the Society's contribution. A lengthy
discussion took place on the question of Co-operatively-
produced goods, special reference being made to the figures
given at the last meeting of the Wholesale Society, referring
to the great percentage of private makers' soap being used
by Co-operators. It was felt that this ought not to be, as
the quality of soap produced at Irlam, on the authority of
those who had given it a fair trial, is excellent, in addition
to the tablets being heavier than most of those supplied
by private makers. It is to be hoped that the female portion
of our members wiL. take this question up seriously, as they
are the principal users of this commodity, and have the
matter to a great extent in their own hands.
Never in the history of the Co-operative movement, at
least since its very early days, had the necessity for loyalty
amongst every section of Co-operators been so great as at
this time. For years a boyoctt had been carried on by a
number of private traders acting in different centres and at
different times, and, though causing much inconvenience
and a great amount of agitation, their efforts cannot be called
a success, for there was no doubt their object not only
remained to be accomplished, but defeated itself. The
attitude the leaders took up must commend itself to all
open-minded individuals. To be told by any section of the
community how profits must be disposed of, and upon what
articles dividends must be paid, is contrary to the spirit and
letter of our constitution. The present system of Co-opera-
tion was founded upon the principle of paying dividend
according to purchases, so that the person who made the
dividend should share it in its proper proportion, and to have
this fundamental principle interfered with would be to
weaken the movement's foundation. We don't want to
weaken the foundations, but to strengthen the structure
and uplift it yet to greater heights and higher achievements.
What the future of Co-operation will be time alone will
prove. Sufficient it be if we individually try our best to
support all efforts for advancement along right lines, and the
future will care for itself.
326 History of the Great and Little Bolton
SECRETARY'S REPORT.
In reviewing the year 1906, one feels compelled to say a few
words respecting the country generally, and I feel sure that you will
endorse my words when I say that the year just passed will long be
remembered as a year of great prosperity to the industrial section
of the community. In placing before your notice a few of the figures
comprised in the accounts of your own Society, I am pleased to say
that we, as Bolton Co-operators, can look back with satisfaction at
having largely shared in the prosperous condition of trade.
The Society's employes number 962, 712 being employed in
distribution and 250 in production. The total wage biirfor the year
amounted to £^,627. 14s. yd., in addition to which they have
received ;^3,355. is. 5d. as bonus on their wages.
Notwithstanding the fluctuations in the market prices of every-
day necessities of life, our profits have been well maintained and have
enabled us to meet all our fixed charges, such as depreciation on our
buildings^ fixed stock, &c., interest on members' share capital,
educational grant, bonus to employes, &c., and to pay each quarter
a dividend of 3s. in the £ to members on their purchases, and which
dividend for the year reaches the very large total of ;£i22,853. 15s.
The profits have also enabled us to make ample provision towards
reducing the book value of our trade buildings, fixed stock, and coal
wagons, as no less a sum than £8,7'i(>. 5s. 6d. has been used as
depreciation during the year ; and on an original cost of ;£257,233
I2S. iijd. these assets now stand in our books at £1.^6,2.^2. 2s. i^d.,
representing a total depreciation of ;£iio,94i. los. rod., or over 42^
per cent less than the original cost. In addition we have spent
^53,479. IIS. iid. in keeping our various properties in a good, sound
state of repair, and which amount has all been charged against the
profits.
Briefly, our position at the end of the year under review is as
follows : — £ s. d.
Total Value of Assets as per last Balance Sheet 805554 7^1
Total Liabilities ;£739326 3 5j
Reserve Fund 1534° i9 6
Dividend Reserve 2801 5 loj
Insurance Fund 10623 ^5 3
Balance Disposable 374^2 3 10 805554 7 n
The year 1906 has seen the opening of a, new Branch Store at
Breightmet, comprising Grocery and Butchering, which is doing a
joint trade of over £no per week. We commend this Store par-
ticularly to our members in the Breightmet district. A Branch
Boot and Shoe Department has also been opened in Stewart Street,
Little Bolton, and should meet the requirements of that district.
Your Committee have also been watching the development and
growth of several districts in the town, and the present year may
see the establishment of Branches in Lamb Brow, Astley Bridge,
and Calvert Road, Great Lever, and also the opening of a Butchery
Branch in Deane Church Lane.
Co-operative Society Limited. 327
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
1907.
Prosperity Assured — Mr. Lander as Congress Head — Royal
Agricultural Show — Motor Haulage — Thomasson Reading-
room Lease — Annual Party — A Record Year — The
Multiple Shop — Ambulance Box — Bonus Tea Motion
Defeated — Cremona Congress — Insurance Fund — Petition
to M.P.'s — Danby Road Land — Investment in British
Cotton-growing Company — Lamb Brow Shop — Holyoake
Memorial — Investment Returns — Co-operative Land-
owning Society — Bakery Machinery — Secretary's Report
for Year.
OUR Society was on the wave of prosperity, and all
hoped the wave would rise higher still until it
washed over the one-million barrier, with a few
thousands to spare in spray. Well might our Secretary in
his report be jubilant. Did the founders of the Society ever
dream of its having 34,000 members, with a share capital
of ^716,590 ? Whilst this wonderful record had been in
process of evolution the Society had consolidated its
position. Its assets have been amply depreciated, standing
at 42^ per cent less than original cost. We know that we are
credited with an unbefitting eagerness for dividend. Those,
however, who endeavour to cast the reflection probably
have never read the balance sheet in all its details. The
figures demonstrated that posterity would have to thank
the present members for a splendid asset. This would be
free to all, with the hope that with this instrument in hand
they might push still further on Co-operative enterprise,
and aid in solving the social problem of other times.
Facts are the best answers to insinuations. A glance at the
balance sheet shows that a vast field yet remains to be covered.
The C.W.S. has made great headway in its productive enterprise,
and will do more if the Societies will give the incentive. If all capital
accumulated by Co-operation were only retained in the movement
and applied to the development of Co-operative production the days
of selfish combines and trusts would soon be numbered. Meanwhile
328 History of the Great and Little Bolton
we may congratulate ourselves on the exceedingly satisfactory result
of the past year's operations, and that our President, Committee,
officers, and staff are worthy successors of those who laid the founda-
tions of the Society on a sound basis.
Great honour had been conferred upon Mr. Lander and
Bolton Co-operators generally by the invitation to occupy
the highest post that it is in the power of the Co-operative
movement to offer, viz., the Presidency of the Co-operative
Congress. It has now for some time been recognised that
it is possible to find men in the movement who are able
and willing to discharge the duties that devolve upon this
high office. There are none more worthy than those who
have been in the past, and are still, actively engaged in the
work, upon whom such an honour should be conferred.
With Mr. Lander the past twenty years have been a time
of continuous and strenuous service. Even very early
after he became an of&cial of this Society he was in
frequent demand for addresses at annual festivals and
other gatherings in various districts. Mr. Lander has
touched the movement at almost every point.
In recognition of this honour the following resolution
was passed at the Committee Meeting on Thursday,
January 3rd, 1907 : —
That a, letter of congratulation be sent to Councillor William
Lander 011 the invitation extended to him to be Chairman of this
year's Congress, to be held at Preston, and his acceptance thereof.
In connection with the Royal Lancashire Agricultural
Show, held locaUy, at the Committee Meeting, Monday,
February i8th, 1907, the following resolutions were passed :—
That Mr. Forber bo appointed to represent this Society on the
Local Committee of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society.
That we recommend our members to subscribe the sum of fifty
guineas to the local fund of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society
towards the expenses of the Show to be held in Bolton.
As the result of reports obtained on the question of
motor haulage, and the results obtained from the trials, at
the Committee Meeting, Thursday, February 28th, 1907,
the following minute was entered on the books : —
That, after exhaustive inquiries and an extended trial, we are of
the unanimous opinion that motor haulage is not suitable for the
requirements of our Society.
Prior to the holding of the Monthly Meeting the following
Co-operative Society Limited. 329
resolution was passed at the Committee Meeting, Monday,
April 1st, 1907 : —
That the Secretary affix the seal of the Society to an indenture
made between Kathrine Thomasson of the one part and this Society
of the other part, being a lease for a period of five years of the
premises known as the Thomasson Co-operative Reading-room.
The Monthly Meeting was held on Monday evening,
April 1st, 1907, Mr. W. J. Bradley (President) being in the
chair. After reading the minutes of the last meeting, Mr.
Hilton, having noticed the large number of new members
joining the Society, suggested that in future when a person
joined they be presented with a copy of the Co-operative
News, so as to acquaint themselves with what is going on
in the movement. This suggestion was at once accepted
by the Educational Committee, who would bear the cost of
the copies supplied. The renewal of the lease of the Thomas-
son Room for a further term of five years from April 3cth,
1907, was confirmed by the meeting, several members
speaking for the resolution in appreciation of the action of
Mrs. Thomasson and her son in thus carrying out the
desires of the late Mr. Thomasson in this respect, and in
again honouring the Bolton Co-operative Society by
allowing them to assist in carrying out this good work.
Our forty-seventh Anniversary stiU showed the Society
full of vitality, and the members came together on Saturday,
February i6th, 1907, with great reason for congratulation.
Taught by long experience, the arrangements for tea were
ably carried out, over 1,000 having tea at the Victoria Hall
and the Co-operative HaU, Bridge Street.
There was a good representation of delegates from
neighbouring Societies, who had tea at the Spinners' Hall,
and no doubt would go away inspired by our record.
Mr. Forber, J. P., at a subsequent stage occupied the
chair temporarily, and stating that Mr. Bradley had been
asked by the Committee of Management to give an address,
called upon that gentleman.
Mr. Bradley, who was well received, said that, in the first
place, he wanted to thank the Committee for the honour
they had conferred upon him in asking him to deliver the
annual address in connection with that gathering. He also
330 History of the Great and Little Bolton
felt indebted to the members of the Society for the kindness
and consideration shown towards him during his year of
office; and also for the honour they had conferred upon him
by re-nominating him for the position, which practically
meant his election for another year. He said he felt it to be
an honour to be President of that Society in spite of those
who said that the Society was not as good as it might be,
for he represented a Society which was doing much good,
had done much good, and would do much good for the
people of Bolton. He was also pleased that he had to address
them at a time when everything was so bright and
prosperous, not only in connection with that Society, but
also in the prospects of the town and the country generally.
They were living under the blessings of an international
peace, and, as working people especially, they were feeling
the blessing of peace, which brought increased prosperity
in trade, and that meant increased comforts for the
workers of the country. As to the Society, in the first place,
he could say that it had enjoyed an unprecedented year as
regarded its trade. It was only to be expected that the
continued prosperity in trade would send up their receipts,
and when he told them that in the past year the Society's
trade had increased by £40,000 — the highest increase by
;f22,ooo — they would agree that it had been a record year.
That progress was being maintained, for during the nine
weeks of this year, when they had hoped to get £i,ooQ a
week increase, the amount was ;^i,ioo a week increase —
that was on the corresponding weeks of last year. He
thought that was ample testimony to the fact that the
members of the Society were satisfied with its working, and
were partaking of the blessings which it offered them.
At a Concert held in the Victoria Hall on February 27th,
Mr. Seddon, M.P., exposed many of the fallacies which have
been created in connection with the Co-operative movement,
and showed that the private traders' greatest enemy was
not the Co-operative Stores, but the multiple shops. This
was a ferocious and a brutal competitor. By contrast,
Co-operation was kindly indeed. It was the outcome of
the growth of education, whereas the multiple form was the
concentration of capital upon a district, or street, to capture
Co-operative Society Limited. 331
legitimate trading by underselling and undercutting, and
to kill off the one-shop man. A few extracts from the
speech are perhaps all that is necessary here.
It was not for the few to amass fabulous fortunes whilst
the multitude starved. It was the common right that the
brain and muscle which produced the wealth should
participate in the yield, and it was this right they insisted
upon. There was no underselling, no sweating, no hoarding
up of wealth ; the people had a full voice in the management
of their undertakings, and the reward was seen in the
uplifting of the masses. The old-time robbery of the days
of the Truck Act was substituted by an act of justice, and
its benefits were to be witnessed in every town in which
Co-operation thrived. Bolton was one of these towns, and,
having tasted of the fruit of their labour, they meant to go
on, despite attacks which were all the more bitter because
they were unfounded, for the greater the Volume of their
production and distribution the greater would be the
advantages accruing to the democracy, who had too long
toiled for the few, whose only interest too often lay in the
cash dividend to be sweated out of them.
To meet any accidents that might occur at any time,
the following arrangement was made at the Committee
Meeting, Thursday, May 9th, 1907 : —
That the necessary requisites for rendering first aid be pur-
chased and placed in the Central premises.
At a Monthly Meeting held on Monday evening, June
3rd, 1907, Mr. W. J. Bradley occupied the chair. There
was a crowded attendance of members. The following
recommendation by the Committee of Management was
introduced by the Chairman, after which questions were
invited, the General Manager (Mr. J. Pomfret) ultimately
being called upon to introduce the subject : —
That the Society enter into a new departure in connection with
our tea trade. That a special tea be sold, to which a coupon will •
be attacbed to every quarter-pound packet. Each coupon will be
valued at 3d. The coupons may be accumulated for any length of
time, and spent at any time in any of the departments from any of
the stocks held, except foodstuffs and coals.
The statement was made that we were not getting aU the
tea trade of our members, many of them evidently taking
332 History of the Great and. Little Bolton
their trade elsewhere, presumably to those shops where
presents were the chief attraction. It was with the object
of securing this trade that the recommendation of the
Committee of Management was brought forward, and also
to give them some substantial goods from other depart-
ments. The discussion was carried on with much vigour,
the speakers being generally opposed to the proposal, and
when the vote was taken the recommendation of the
Committee was defeated.
The following resolutions explain themselves : —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, June 6th, 1907. — That the local
M.P.'s be written to asking for their support to the Canadian Cattle
Bill and the Butter and Margarine Bill.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, June 13th, 1907. — That we recom-
mend our members to send a delegate to the International Congress
to be held at Cremona (Italy) from Monday, September 23rd, to
Wednesday, September 25th, 1907. That we nominate our Presi-
dent (Mr. Bradley).
Committee Meeting, Thursday, June 20th, 1907. — That the sum
of £^0 each half year be added to our own insurance fund for a fund
to cover risk under the Employers' Liability Act, 1907.
Monthly Meeting, July ist, 1907. — That the Chairman (Mr. W.
J. Bradley) be delegated to represent this Society at the Inter-
national Congress to be held at Cremona in September.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, July nth, 1907. — That the plot
of land on the plan submitted be secured for a Branch Store at
Calvert and Danby Roads at the ground rent named.
Committee Meeting, Monday, July 29th, 1907. — That we take up
100 {jL shares in the British Cotton-growing Company Limited, and
ask the members' Quarterly Meeting to confirm the same.
Committee Meeting, Monday, September 2nd, 1907. — That we
tender to Mr. T. Lee and the subscribers of the box our best thanks
for their efforts in obtaining the transfer of the ambulance box, and
that the same be placed on the landing at the entrance to the
Restaurant Department.
At the Committee Meeting, Thursday, October 3rd,
1907, a deputation of Branch Managers Waited upon the
Committee advocating the adoption of the sale of bonus tea
on account of the demand by the members for the same.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, October 24th, 1907. — That
, arrangements be made for the opening of Lamb Brow shop on
November 14th.
The Half-yearly Meeting was held on Bank Holiday,
August 6th, 1907, at 7-30 o'clock in the evening, under the
presidency of Mr. W. J. Bradley.
Co-operative Society Limited. 333
The balance sheet for the half year ended June nth,
1907, was submitted to the meeting. The Committee's
report upon the same was as follows : —
Twelve months ago we brought before your notice a balance sheet
which we at the time considered to be very pleasing indeed. We
are now, however, at the close of another June half year able to
report to you even a more prosperous six months than last June,
inasmuch as our records still increase. Our members will, no doubt,
view with a great amount of satisfaction such increases as we have
already mentioned, and we are pleased to add that, whilst our sales
have largely increased, our net working expenses are slightly down,
with the result that we are able to recommend the disposal of a
balance after paying to our members a dividend of 3s. in the £ for
both quarters of the half year, and providing other charges, as will
be seen in the proposed disposal of balance account ; to our reserve
funds the sum of ;£i,85o ; and to devote to special depreciation of
Ship Canal shares and coal wagons account, ;^i,223 ; leaving a
balance forward to next half year of ;^i,736. is. ijd. We are antici-
pating, however, that something like £^20 of this will be required if
we are agreed to contribute our share to the " Holyoake Memorial "
(Union's new offices) . We would also like to add that building
operations are now in progress for a Butchering Department adjoin-
ing our Willows Lane Branch, and for a Branch Grocery at Lamb
Brow, Astley Bridge, which we hope will be a benefit to our members
in these districts.
Also, upon the recommendation of the Committee of
Management, it was decided to subscribe the sum of ^f 419. is.,
being our contribution at 3d. per member to the Holyoake
Memorial, which is to take the form of new central buildings
for the Co-operative Union.
The balance sheet submitted to the Half-yearly Meeting
gave every satisfaction to all present. Outside criticism
by irresponsible persons who, having nothing at stake,
and whose one desire was to create unrest and dissatisfaction,
apparently had little effect. The increases were certainly
very encouraging, and were a true indication that the
movement was strongly and deeply rooted in the district.
The total sales recorded in June, 1906, established a record,
but in the year 1907 an increase was shown of over £22,000.
Membership then totalled a very respectable figure— 33,524 ;
though the purchases per member did not appear large
when compared with some other Societies who had not
the open membership. Yet we may look upon the steady
increase in this respect as some guarantee that Co-operation
334 History of the Great and Little Bolton
was gradually training its members to the advantages of
the movement, and that from this fact the future was
somewhat assured. The increase in the investments was a
point that required care and experience, and, judging from
the return as per the balance sheet, this seemed to have been
wisely exercised. To receive almost 4 per cent was certainly
matter for congratulation, and spoke well for the judicious
selection of investments in past years. Whilst the Com-
mittee of Management exercised this care, and their actions
were subject to the approval or otherwise of the members,
all might rest assured that their interests were safely guarded.
Turning to the results of the half year under consideration,
the Management were to be highly comphmented. With
such proposals for the disposal of profits, and the same to
be accepted without comment, must have been very
gratifying to aU concerned.
One feature in disposing of the profits of our Society is
that when the results are exceptionally good, care is always
taken to add to the reserve funds, and to devote a propor-
tion to special depreciation. This is, no doubt, a wise pohcy,
and wiU have its effect in the future. If we have before us
the true principles of equity, or fair dealing between man
and man, and a true unity of purpose within, we may treat
with contempt unwarranted criticism from without.
The Quarterly Meeting of the members of our Society
was held in the Co-operative HaU on Monday evening,
November ist, Mr. W. J. Bradley (President) presiding
over a very representative meeting of the members.
A recommendation by the Committee of Management —
" That we invest the sum of £100 in the proposed Co-opera-
tive Landowning Society" — was endorsed, after the same
had been discussed by the members, who were given to
understand that the amount would only be invested, and
that the proposed Landowning Society would only proceed
when they had raised £20,000 for that object.
The following resolutions appear on the books at this
time : —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, December 5th, 1907. — That the
plans submitted for alteration of house, Chorley Old Road, to
Butchering, be approved, and the persons named be asked to tender
for the same.
Co-operative Society Limited. 335
Committee Meeting, Thursday, December 26th, 1907. — That
the motive power of driving in our Bakery Department be converted
from steam driving to electric motor driving.
That the dough divider suppHed by T. Melvin and Son for the
Bakery Department be purchased at the price named, together with
the special table for same.
SECRETARY'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1907.
The year 1907, whilst of a prosperous character, has not passed
over without several matters arising which would have threatened
the country's reputation had the results turned out to be as serious
as at one time they seemed likely to. I refer particularly to the
railway agitation and the cotton outlook. Happily for all concerned
both have passed away, and we are once more freed from any com-
mercial warfare. It may please you to know that we, as Co-opera-
tors, took some little part in endeavouring to secure a settlement of
the railway crisis.
And now to speak of ourselves, or Co-operation locally, we,
without egotism, cannot fail to congratulate ourselves when we look
at our position at the end of another year ; and, whilst we are showing
such large increases, we would still urge our members to even greater
efforts in the future, keeping always in mind the fact that 1909 is
our Jubilee, and also our ambition to gain that coveted million of
trade.
Reviewing, then, our financial year, ended December 17th, 1907,
the first matter that will catch the eye will be our sales, which during
the year have grown so largely. The sales for the year amount to
^909,770. IS. 8^d., being an increase on the previous year (which
was a record year) of £65,791- os. 9id., or an average weekly turnover
of /i 7,165, with an average weekly increase of ;^i,24i. 7s. 2d. Our
members are to be congratulated on reaching for the first time the
^900,000, but we would like to urge even a greater increase for the
next two years, in order that our ambition may become a reality by
the end of 1909. It may interest our members to peruse the follow-
ing table, showing the departmental receipts for the year 1907 : —
£ 5. d.
Grocery 558241 I5 loj
Buichering 71747 8 i
Drapery 72504 I7 6
Boot and Shoe 4341)0 1° 4
Tailoring 23583 g 5
Furniture 32584 7 i4
Hat and Cap 5864 13 oj
Confectionery 2767 3 sj
Jewellery 4527 I5 SJ
Restaurant 3362 14 ro§
Painting 2ocg 9 2
Coal Bagging 63099 5 64
Milk 22123 6 6
Warehouse, for Empties, S:c 3863 5 3
£909770 I 8J
The year has been. a very trying one as regards market prices,
largely brought about by the American financial panic and our own
336 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
country's heavy Bank rate ; but, notwithstanding all these, we have
been able to maintain our proud position as a commercial concern,
charging a fair price for the best quality of articles supplied, and
paying our usual 15 per cent dividend on purchases throughout the
whole of the year. I may also mention here that, with the December
quarter, we paid our twenty-fifth successive dividend of 3s. in the £,
and it may interest some of our members to know that at the time
our dividend was raised to the latter amount the sales for the year
amounted to only ;£772,347, whilst this year, as I have already
pointed out, our sales have been £9oq,jyo, an increase during that
period (six years) of ;^I37,423.
As regards our membership, we are pleased to report a continued
increase of the citizens in our town who recognise the stability and
usefulness of our movement. The number of persons qualified as
members of our Society is 34,198, which is an increase on the previous
year of 1,1 11, against an increase of 795 in 1906.
The share capital of the Society has likewise increased, the
amount of £6g<jfo62. is. 2jd. in 1906 having grown to ;£7i6,590. 15s.
6d., an increase of ;^i6,928. 14s. 3jd. In this connection I would like
to give a simple illustration of one of the benefits of our Society as
repi'esented in its share capital. The year under review saw for the
first time a week's holiday taken by the working classes of Bolton,
and during the ten days prior to the holiday commencing no less
than the sum of ^26,000 was paid out in hard cash to our members —
a truly hard time for our office staff, who did their work well, but
pleasing to the observer who noticed with what pleasure the members
came to draw what was theirs to help to give them the pleasures and
recuperation of a week's holiday — many of whom probably for the
first time during their working Uves enjoyed this privilege. Thus
can the benefits of Co-operation be told over and over again.
Our employes now number 977 (726 distributive and 251 produc-
tive), the wages paid to them being £59,0^^, 4s. 5d. for the year.
We have also divided amongst them a bonus of 2J per cent of the
profits, which bonus amounts to ;^3,457. 3s. gd. During the year
under review your Committee have brought into existence a scale of
wages for employes, which they have accepted with great apprecia-
tion, and which has been published in extenso in the official organ of
the Amalgamated Union of Co-operative Employes. By this scale
alone our wage bill has been increased on the year by the sum of
;£i,ooo — almost ;^20 per week.
The year has also seen extensions in our business departments.
New Branches have been opened at Lamb Row, Astley Bridge (for
grocery), and Deane Church Lane (for butchering), whilst new
premises have been purchased adjoining our Ivy Road Branch for
a much-needed addition to our Butchering Department, and also
land secured for a new Branch in Calvert Road, Great Lever. The
tender has also been let for new offices and educational premises in
Bow Street, and we expect that building operations will have com-
menced ere the members have this report in their hands.
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 339
CHAPTER XXXIX.
1908.
Increased Trade — Land Question — Annual Party — Hope of
Brighter Days — Self-reliance Created — Scholarship Scheme
Passed — Death of Jonathan Fishwick — Calvert Road
Extension — Settlement of Bakers' Dispute — Halliwell Road
Boot and Shoe Department — Ground Rent Purchased —
Telephone Plant — Week's Holiday Granted in the Pro-
ductive Departments — Term of Office on Committee Fixed
by Rule — Abolition of Employes' Bonus — Bonus Tea
Adopted — Report of Year's Work.
AS Co-operators we are naturally proud of the excep-
tionally increased trade throughout the country,
and especially in the movement to which we belong.
As a movement of progress we cannot get a better example
than our own Society, and when its history is read it will
be seen that its growth and progress have been marvellous.
The great increase in trade — nearly £66,000 — during 1907
is a standing proof of the steadfastness and loyalty of the
members. Having in mind the fact that prices had been
generally higher during the previous half year, the total
increase for the year was very satisfactory. During 1897
the sales amounted to £581,796, and in 1907 to £909,770,
an increase in ten years of £417,974, or an average yearly
increase of over £40,000.
Whilst being pleased to record these facts, and also to note that
there is a slight improvement in the average purchases per member,
there is still room for greater development.
It is not only the increase in distributive sales that we wish to
record, but that there seems to be a strong progressive spirit generally
pervading the movement. The spread of Co-operative productions
is very marked.
The land question, which has received considerable attention
from a section of Co-operators, is being pushed to the front under
various forms, and will be much discussed in the immediate future,
for there is no doubt it is at the root of many of the social evils with
which we are faced.
340 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Annual Party.
In figures two or three feet deep the splendid records
of the work of the year 1907 were set forth before the large
and enthusiastic audience assembled on Saturday night,
February 15th, 1908, in the Temperance HaU. The occasion
was the forty-eighth Annual Tea Party and Entertainment
held under the auspices of our Society. Mr. W. J. Bradley
(President of the Society) was in the chair, and supporting
him were Mr. Duncan Mc.Innes, J. P., Mr. A. H. GiU, M.P.,
the Directors, the officials, and others.
The President, in his speech, said the past year had been
a record one in the history of the Society. The income was the
highest they had ever had, and, speaking from an intimate
knowledge of every department and every part of the
Society's business, as well as its investments, its building
account and its Savings Bank, he could say there had been
progress all along the fine. The Management and the work
of officers and servants generally had been excellent ; in
fact, the whole organisation was a distinct credit to the
Society. The Chairman then briefly introduced Mr. Duncan
Mc.Innes, J. P. (Director of the Co-operative Wholesale
Society), as one of the men the Co-operative movement had
made.
Mr. Mc.Innes said he rose with considerable pleasure,
as weU as with a degree of dif&dence — ^pleasure at being
associated with men actuated by the same hopes and aspira-
tions as he was, and diffidence on seeing the formidable
figures showing the results they had attained, for he had
been accustomed for many years to speak on Co-operation in
smaU towns, villages, and hamlets. He wanted to speak
to them briefly that night on the drier aspect of the move-
ment, the economic principles, and to say to them that if
working men and women could realise that each day's labour
brought them nearer the time when they would be free
from the care of the morrow, free from anxiety against
old age and its attendant ailments, their lives would be
very much brighter and happier, and they would engage
in the daily labour with more zest and greater hopefulness.
Mr. Mc.Innes next proceeded to show by contrast what
Co-operative Society Limited. 341
Co-operation was doing in France and in thiis country.
Though not applying wholly in France the following method
largely prevailed in that country. Supposing a body of
working men in France decided to start a Co-operative
Society they would subscribe 30 francs each. No interest
would be given them upon the capital. With their 30 francs
they would rent a shop and equip it with fixtures and
saleable stock, and they then would concentrate the whole
of their purchasing power on their own shop — as loyal
Co-operators ought to do. After six months there was the
usual balancing, a dividend declared, and each member
would get a dividend warrant. With that warrant he or
she would go to the Stores and get paid, not in cash but in
kind. Thus the French Co-operators derived the
advantages they in Bolton derived by doing away with
intermediaries and middlemen, but there was one result
which Bolton got that the French Co-operators did not,
and that was that in France they did not build up capital
to be used in the interest of the masses of the people. There
was a Society in Wisbech, Cambridge, founded by Joseph
Arch many years ago in connection with an agricultural
population. That Society practised the same policy up to a
few years ago, up to which period it had from the start simply
been marking time. As soon, however, as they practised
the Rochdale system of leaving the dividends in the Society
they began to show a steady growth. Co-operation was
therefore exemplified in their Society as bringing about a
more equitable distribution of wealth. Of course, he should
be Very foolish if he said the working classes were not better
off now than they were fifty years ago. It was quite certain
they were better off, but their point was that while the
country had been increasing in wealth year by year, the
class which had done so much in the creation of wealth had
not got an adequate share of it. They wanted to bring
about an alteration in the condition of things by the
exercise of a manly independence and forethought. The
working classes were only getting a fractional part of what
they produced, and the conditions must be altered. They
did not reasonably participate in the product of their
labour, That was clear. Now they wanted each one to
342 History of the Great and Little Bolton
look upon Co-operation as a means, and a good means,
of promoting an equitable distribution. He did not say
equal distribution, for if they had equal distribution he
knew some workers who would gamble away their share
by next Tuesday. Equitable distribution was what they
desired.
In a few words, Mr. Martindale proposed and Mr. Green-
halgh (Chairman Educational Committee) seconded a vote
of thanks to Mr. Mc.Innes for his presence and address.
Mr. A. H. Gill, M.P., supported the motion. He said he
was pleased to see such a large audience and to have heard
the excellent address of Mr. Mc.Innes, who was a Director of
the great Co-operative Wholesale Society, whose ramifica-
tions were world-wide. When they saw that this Society
had alone contributed a capital of £716,000, and when they
found that associated with the Wholesale Society there
were 1,700,000 members, and the sales last year aggregated
something of which they might be proud — namely,
;^24,ooo,ooo — it showed that they need not go outside their
own movement for the purpose of finding sufficient abOity
to carry on their work. It had been said from time to time
that there were not, among the working classes, men of
sufficient calibre to carry on that movement, but in the
success of the Bolton Society and of the Wholesale Society
they had a living experience. The result that had been
achieved in the last forty or fifty years showed that the
people who made this charge did not know what they were
talking about. The figures showed that the Bolton Society
had a membership of 34,198, which was one-fifth of the whole
population of Bolton — men, women, and children. This was
a remarkable fact, and it proved absolutely that this
movement had about it sufficient stabiUty and sufficient
stamina to justify the statement that it had come to stay.
It was a people's movement. It was a twin movement with
trade unionism, and the two working together had become
very powerful indeed. He urged them to work, not only
in distribution, but also in production, and to endeavour
to raise the standard of life in the way it ought to be raised.
They were all trying to do some good work for the country,
and the Co-operative movement was one that had done
Co-operative Society Limited. 343
great good. It had created self-reliance, a spirit much to
be commended, and that spirit, encouraged by the Society,
had in turn enabled its members to provide capital which
could be relied upon in time of need, and which further
enabled them to purchase with ready money in any market
they pleased.
The Adjourned Monthly and Quarterly Meetings of the
Society were held in the Co-operative Hall on Monday,
March 2nd, 1908. The President of the Society (Mr. W. J.
Bradley) occupied the chair. A Very good attendance of
members was no doubt brought about by the important
matter to be placed before the Adjourned Quarterly
Meeting, namely, the proposed Scholarship Scheme,
as suggested by the Educational Committee, which was
discussed at some length, and finally it was proposed by the
Chairman of the Educational Committee (Mr. Greenhalgh)
and seconded by Mr. Dobson (of the same Committee)
that the scheme should be put in operation. This was
carried unanimously.
There passed away at this time, in the person of Mr.
Jonathan Fishwick, one of the last links with the early
days of this Society. In the year 1867 Mr. Fishwick was a
member of the Committee of Management, and also
Inspector of the Derby Street shops.
The Monthly Meeting of the members of this Society was
held on Monday, April 6th, the President of the Society
(Mr. Yates) occupying the chair. Mr. Yates, in opening the
proceedings, referred to the death of one of the old pioneers
of the Society in the person of Mr. Jonathan Fishwick, who
was a former President of the Society and also a member
of the Committee of Management. The members expressed
their sympathy with the bereaved family by rising in their
places, and instructed the Secretary to send a letter of
sympathy to the family.
A Branch extension in Great Lever was carried out as
recorded in the following resolutions : —
Committee Meeting, Thursday, March 5th, 1908. — That the plan
submitted for Branch Grocery and Butchering Departments at the
corner of Danby Road and Calvert Road, Great Lever, be approved.
344 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Committee Meeting, Monday, April 27th, 1908. — That the Secre-
tary do sign, on behalf of the Society, an agreement for the erection of
new Store, Danby Road.
In connection with the Lancashire Agricultural Show,
Mr. West (Manager of our Bakery Department) was
appointed one of the judges in the Bread Classes.
At this time the dispute in the bakery trade in the town
was amicably settled at a meeting of representatives held
on Thursday evening, July 23rd, 1908. Councillor Parr
acted as intermediary, and representatives of the Operative
Bakers (with Mr. Emery, one of their leading officials), the
Master Bakers, and our own Society (in the persons of Mr.
Yates, President, and Mr. Bentley, Secretary) sat until 11-15
endeavouring to arrange terms which would be suitable
and acceptable to all parties. The result of the deliberations
ended in the time of starting being fixed at 11 p.m., which
was a concession of something like two hours from some of
the master bakers of the town ; whilst the matter of wages
ended in the men gaining an advantage of an increase.
Other matters of detail were left to be arranged, the
agreement for twelve months to be finally signed on August
4th. The resolution entered on the books relating to this
matter is as follows : —
Committee Meeting, Saturday, June 20th, 1908. — That we allow
the notice of the bakers to be withdrawn on the understanding that
a conference be arranged between the master bakers, ourselves, and
the men, and that we should have the same terms and conditions
that are arranged at such meeting or conference as are allowed to
the other master bakers of the town.
The next development was the provision of a Branch
Boot and Shoe Department in the way embodied in the
following resolution, which was passed at the Committee
Meeting, Thursday, May 7th, 1908 : —
That the plan submitted for the alteration of house, Halliwell
Road, to a Boot and Shoe Department be approved, and the
persons named be asked to tender for such alterations.
Another important resolution passed at the Committee
Meeting, Thursday, May 28th, 1908, was : —
That we purchase the ground rent now payable by us on our
Goldsmith Street Branch 9,t thp price named.
Co-operative Society Limited. 345
The telephone installation, which up to this period was
the property of the Society, was finally dealt with as follows,
owing to the changed conditions then ruling in the telephone
world : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, July 13th, 1908. — That our present
telephone installation be taken out, and the whole of our Branches,
&c., be connected by the scheme now submitted by the National
Telephone Company, on a five years' contract on the terms named.
Committee Meeting, Monday, August 3rd, 1908. — That we accept
the offer of the National Telephone Company for taking down old
plant, and also their allowance for old switchboards, instruments,
&c.
The Half-yearly Meeting of the members of the Society
was held in the Co-operative Hall on Monday evening,
August 3rd, 1908. Mr. Yates (President) presided over a very
largely-attended meeting. The Committee's report on the
half year ended June 17th, together with the balance sheet,
was submitted to the meeting and adopted.
The next item on the agenda was one of some importance,
and which no doubt was responsible for the very large
attendance of the members. This was a notice of motion
by Mr. W. T. Jones, reading as follows : —
That a week's holiday, with pay, shall be granted annually to all
employes in the Boot, Clog, Tailoring, and Painting Departments
who have been in the service of the Society for twelve months.
The submitting of this motion led to a very animated
discussion, in which many of the members took part, and
the motion on being put to the meeting was carried by a
very large majority.
A Special General Meeting of the members of our Society
was held in the Co-operative Hall on Monday, September
7th. Mr. Yates (President of the Society) took the chair
at the advertised time — 7-15 p.m. The meeting had been
called for the purpose of making an alteration to Rule 23,
which it was decided should be registered as part of the rules
of the Society. The following is the addition : —
No member of the Committee, having served four years in succes-
sion, shall be eligible for re-election until he has been off the Com-
mittee twelve months. In case of any vacancy arising through
death, removal, or otherwise, such vacancy shall be filled up at the
next General Meeting thereafter.
346 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Mr. William Yates (President of the Society) presided
over the usual Monthly Meeting of the members of the
Society, held on Monday evening, October 5th, at 7-30
o'clock. The minutes of the General Committee were read
by the Secretary, as was also the cash statement for fifteen
weeks ended October 2nd, which recorded that the sales
amounted to 1^236,534. 13s. lojd., which was a decrease of
£5,368. IS. 6Jd., as compared with the corresponding weeks
of 1907. The President called the attention of the members
to this decrease, which was only accounted for by the
unsettled condition of the cotton trade, and, whilst
regretting to record a decrease, expressed the opinion that
it was not so great as anticipated. He appealed to the
members present, and to those who were not in the meeting,
for their continued and loyal support, remarking that it
was in times of adversity that the benefits of Co-operation
were very much in evidence.
The most important matter at this time was the abolition
of the employes' bonus. The Quarterly Meeting was
attended by a very large number of members, the attraction
being several important resolutions on the agenda bearing
on the business of the Society. The Chairman (Mr. William
Yates) presided. The chief item was one of some im-
portance, both to the members and the employes, being a
recommendation to the effect —
That the payment of bonus half-yearly be dispensed with, and in
lieu thereof an equivalent amount be placed on the wages of such
employes.
The Chairman, in moving the recommendation, pointed
out that the purpose for which the bonus was originally
intended was now somewhat obsolete, and that at the
request of the Bolton Branch of the A.U.C.E. the matter
had received the consideration of the Committee. They, as
a Board, were favourable to the proposal, especially when
it was noted that it would increase the minimum wage
from 24s. to about 25s. 6d. per week, and other wages in
proportion, which, when compared with other wages in
the Co-operative movement, could be considered as ranldng
in the first place. An animated discussion ensued thereon
by many of the members, and the proposal, being put to the
Co-operative Society Limited. 347
meeting, was carried by a very large majority, only ten
persons voting against. The Committee also recommended
" That the Society should commence the sale of coupon
tea." Mr. Pomfret (General Manager), in moving the
resolution, pointed out at some length the advantages that
would accrue to the Society and to the members generally
by its adoption. This also was spoken on by some half-
dozen members, and eventually carried by a majority of
some 117 Votes. Mr. S. Meadowcroft had also on the agenda
a notice of motion : —
That in all future elections of the Committee of Management
(including the President), or of the Educational Committee of this
Society, the custom of placing a star opposite the names of the
retiring members be discontinued, and that hereafter no mark of
distinction shall be placed on any list of nominations or ballot
papers.
This was seconded by Mr. Knight, and, after a discussion,
was put to the meeting, and carried by a substantial
majority.
SECRETARY'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1908.
Nineteen hundred and eight has come and gone, and with it one
of the years when any attempts at record-breaking are set at nought
by the fate of things we dream not of. Little did we expect when
writing our last report that the year to follow would be one of severe
trade depression, particularly in the engineering and allied trades,
and that we should go through several weeks' conflict in the cotton
trade, whereby those engaged in that branch of the nation's industry
would lose many thousands of pounds in wages as well as the drain
upon the savings that had accrued during the good years of the past.
However, such is the year we have to review. Still, we can say we
have not suffered to the great extent that many people anticipated ;
in fact, the early half of the year was one of prosperity, during which
we recorded sales over the previous half year of an increase of ^16,246
5S. i|d. This amount was, however, wiped away by the fates
already referred to. The sales for the year have totalled the sum of
/888,389. IS. 4jd., a decrease on the year previous (which was, by
the way, one of fifty-three weeks' duration) of ;£2i,38i. os. 4d., but
as compared with the fifty-two weeks of the same year a decrease of
only ;fi,5o6. 8s., which, whilst not helping us to attain our million
pounds, must be considered very satisfactory.
Turning to our share capital, we should hardly expect to show
any increase, seeing that many of our members' earnings had either
been taken away or had been considerably reduced. But such is
348 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
the case, and we are able to record an increase on the year of £8,^^^
IS. gjd. in our share capital, which now stands at ;^725,043. 14s. 8d,
It is here that one of the benefits of the Society is felt ; during the
good times members are able to save their money with us, and in the
bad times, such as we have recently passed through, they are able to
draw upon their own banking account for the necessaries of life.
During the year we opened a Branch Grocery and Butchering
Department in Danby Road, Great Lever, and also a new Boot and
Shoe Branch in the higher district of Halliwell Road, and both depart-
ments are proving their worth to each district. We had also in
contemplation the erection of a new Branch Butchering Department
adjoining our Doffcocker shop, which we think will meet the needs of
that growing district.
Two new departures have been introduced during the year. The
first is the abolition of the system of paying bonus to our employes (a
system which has been in operation for upwards of thirty-six years
in the Society's history) and the adding on to their wages of an equiva-
lent amount paid to them weekly. This has been the means of
raising the scale of wages all round, and the Society is now placed in
the very front rank of the movement in respect to wages paid. The
second is the commencement of the sale of coupon tea, an entirely
new feature in the trading branch of the Society, and a system
whereby members save 3d. (in coupons) on every quarter pound of
tea they purchase. The coupons can be exchanged for any article
from the Society's stocks (except foodstuffs and coal) at the members'
pleasure. This departure is already proving itself to be a. very
valuable addition to our trade.
DANBY ROAD NEW STORE (Grocery and lUHchLrinii),
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Societv Limited. 351
CHAPTER XL.
1909.
Million Sales Mark Not Reached — Trials of Co-operation —
Confidence Retained — Bolton District Co-operative
Association — Minimum Wage Considered — 49;!^ Annual
Party — Co-operation Linked with the Civic Life of the
Town — Fiftieth Milestone — Gleams of Sunshine — The
Children's Charter — Right Principles — Straight Questions
— Equitable Distribution of Wealth — Ideal for Work —
Co-operative Activities in Industrial Life — Eve of the
Jubilee — Death of Mr. Tyldesley — Minutes of 1909 —
Educational Grant Attacked — Freehold Farm A,cquired —
Date of Opening New Offices Fixed — Custody of Shield
Accepted — Jubilee Special Grants — Tribute to Pioneers —
Mr. Bentley's Report — Membership Increase — Allocation
of Profits— Success of Building Department — Further
Extensions.
AT last we have reached the Jubilee and last year so
far as this history is concerned. On reviewing the
work of this year we at once see that the million
sales mark has not yet been reached, the slackness in trade
in the district and the interruption in the cotton supply
(owing to the operations of a corner in the staple industry
of the district) have all alike added their quota to the list
of several drawbacks. However, we are near enough to the
mark now to say confidently that the million will soon be
reached and passed.
We are now entering upon another year, and as we do so our
minds are still fresh with the events that have transpired in the year
that is gone. To many it has been a time of anxiety and difficulty —
of anxiety because of general depression in trade throughout the
world, and of difficulty because of the great amount of distress that
has followed in its train. During this period Co-operation has been
3,-i2 History of the Great and Little Bolton
severely tried, especially in industrial Lancashire, for, in addition to
the general depression, the unfortunate cotton trade dispute has
made the difficulties all the greater. With some few exceptions the
various Societies appear to have passed through these trying times
fairly well. Under the conditions named a decreased trade was
naturally expected, and contracted profits is bound to be the result
as all fixed charges must be the same. The outstanding feature at
the close of the year is that, so far as we are able to judge. Co-opera-
tion has a stronger hold on the industrial classes than ever ; they
have found out its value and help in a time of need, and there is no
doubt that it will be an object-lesson they will not so soon forget.
During the year we shall commemorate the Jubilee of the Society.
We have now a magnificent organisation which has been built up
from a very small beginning, and there are no persons more proud of
the present position of the Bolton Society than those who laboured
in the very early days of its history.
In several respects the Society has been very fortunate, which in
a measure accounts for the present happy position. There have been
no serious divisions amongst the members. And the reason for this
may be found in the fact that the chief objects of the Society have
always been kept to the front ; the Society has not been used to
serve the interest of any religious or particular political party.
Another important feature has been the confidence that the
members generally have had in the Committee of Management and
its officials. There has also been a determination on the part of the
members to stand by the Society under all conditions, and this has
established a growing confidence which has helped to build up the
Society. If we continue to be actuated by this spirit we may look
forward to still further advancement.
Bolton District Co-operative Association.
The Quarterly Conference of the Bolton District Co-
operative Association was held in the Co-operative Hall,
Bolton, on Saturday, January 9th. Mr. Martindale presided,
and gave the delegates a hearty welcome on behalf of the
Bolton Society.
The Chairman then called upon Mr. William Yates
(President Bolton Society) to read his paper, entitled
"The Minimum Wage." Before reading his paper, Mr.
Yates mentioned the position taken up by the Bolton
Society at the Newport Congress, saying he was afraid his
Society had been misunderstood on the matter. It was
singular that, in spite of the resolution passed at Newport,
the amendment which was moved by the Bolton delegates,
Co-operative Society Limited. 353
and rejected by an overwhelming majority, had really
been carried into effect. The miminum wage had been
discussed throughout the Co-operative movement during
the past six months. Mr. Yates read his paper in a very
effective manner, and it was very well received by the
delegates present.
Forty-ninth Annual Party.
mr. lander on "co-operative ideals."
Balcony, area, and platform were well filled on Saturday,
February 20th, on the occasion of the forty-ninth Annual
Tea Party and Entertainment of the Society, which was
held in the Albert Hall. The sight was a most animated
one, and the scene when the Concert and Meeting were
inaugurated with a full volume of melody in the " Hand-
to-Hand March,"
Working men throughout the nation
Join us in Co-operation,
was one long to be remembered. There were fully 1,200
people present.
Mr. William Yates (President of the Society) occupied
the chair at the short meeting, and was supported by Mr.
William Lander (Director Co-operative Wholesale Society),
who had consented to give the address, and the members
of the Directorate, Educational Committee, and officials.
The Chairman (Mr. Yates) gave a good tone to the
meeting by his breezy brevity. At the outset he gave a
cordial welcome to one and all, and said they were delighted
to meet in that beautiful hall. It belonged to every one of
them as burgesses of that important borough. They
believed that the Co-operative movement was closely
linked with the civic life of the town or district in which it
was to be found. It had always been so : Co-operators had
always been in the forefront and taken their part in the work
in order to bring the commonwealth to the highest point of
excellence. Well, they knew as well as he did that this was
their Jubilee Year. Mr. Bradley, his predecessor in that
354 History of the Great and Little Bolton
position, pleaded that their trade should reach a miUion
pounds. He did not know whether they would do it. He
was rather inclined to think they would be just below in
view of the depression in trade. But, despite the bad times
commercially, he was delighted to say they found themselves
as a Society favourably circumstanced at the present
moment. Although this half year had only gone on a few
weeks, the increase in their trade was over £2,000 above that
of their record half year. He knew they would be delighted,
and he believed they would do their best to make the Jubilee
Year a year of records.
Mr. Lander, whose rising was the signal for much
applause, said he desired to associate himself with the
Chairman's words of congratulation upon the splendid
gathering and upon the grand results of the work of the
Society. The figures in the report spoke for themselves,
and were an abundant testimonial to the value and
appreciation of the Society's work in the town. Standing
there his thoughts were reminiscent, and recalled to his
mind that it was fifteen years ago that night since they
celebrated the opening of their great Drapery establishment,
which marked such an important development in their
Society. They rejoiced then, and they rejoiced now, that
they were approaching another landmark in their history.
They were gradually approaching the fiftieth milestone on
the journey of the Society's career. At these periods they
were full of gratitude for all that the Society and the move-
ment had done for them in the days gone past, and thankful
for the men who had toiled for them. They rejoiced to
know that some of them were with them that night.
Co-operatively speaking in the larger sense, they had
been passing through a dark period of depression, with
its attendant poverty and privations. Though the lifting
of the veil might be slow the cloud was gradually moving,
and he felt sure they were getting bright gleams of sunshine,
hope, and comfort in the great development of the growing
desire on the part of aU concerned for more peaceful and
rational considerations in the settlement of matters in
dispute in the way of conciliation boards, wliich were far
more creditable to everybody than the barbarous methods
Co-operative Society Limited. 355
of strikes, with all their attendant evils. They were
delighted to know that upon these boards would be
seen the faces of some of their distinguished townspeople,
selected from the ranks of the workers. They were
delighted to know that one of their M.P.'s would be found
adjudicating upon these matters, and that a lady (Miss
Sarah Reddish) had been recognised as a fitting subject for
this honour. They rejoiced that the democracy had been
recognised, and was taking its*proper place in the counsels
of the Government, not only in the commercial life and
the municipality, but in the nation itself. The year had
been remarkable for other reasons which affected them very
much as workers. They recognised a reforming influence in
the right direction. The Children's Charter would shortly
be in force, and the principle of old-age pensions was
already in force. The training of the children was one
of the matters in which they were deeply interested, and
it was interesting to know that the ideals of Robert
Owen, the founder of their great movement, ran along
similar lines as the legislation of the character which they
had been permitted to see. These were the care and the
training of the young, the improvement of the industrial
conditions of the workers, the brightening of that portion
of the worker's life which formed so large a part of his
earthly career, and the protection against calamity in
the time of old age. These were the three points for which
the founder of their movement strove and toiled.
The Eve of the Jubilee.
The forty-ninth Annual Social and Meeting of our Society,
held in the Town Hall, was in every sense of the word a
distinct success. Our General Secretary's report for the year
was one full of cheery hopefulness, for, despite aperiod of great
and disastrous industrial strife, combined with a remarkable
trade depression, our volume of trade was undoubtedly well
maintained. Not only so, our membership increased in a
most gratifying fashion. In round figures our numbers
were augmented by a thousand new entrants, carrying our
membership to 35,000. This is greater than the population
356 History of the Great and Little Bolton
of many an important town, and affords distinct testimony
to the power we possess as Co-operators if only combinedly
and unitedly our energies are well focussed and directed in
the right channel. One special feature of our work is matter
for sincere congratulation : we refer to the consideration
shown to all engaged in producing and distributing under
Co-operative principles. Our position in this connection
is unassailable. We are in the very front rank in the matter
of the wages scale, and the conditions under which our
employes foUow their avocations are equally favourable.
Truly, we have cause for rejoicing and thankfulness
for the progress which has attended us in the past, but
we have no right to be content to rest on the laurels won.
The great combines and syndicates formed to bolster up
capitalism, and which lead to so much sweating, must be
fought and conquered ; the problem of slumdom must be
faced with a determination to bring about a better state of
things, and the worker must realise that he himself is the
greatest factor in solving these and other social questions
of the hour. This is no time for slackening, but rather for
increasing effort. With the ever-growing power of Co-
operation is an ever-increasing responsibility, and to attain
to the usefulness which the cause demands every member
must rise to the occasion and determinedly play his or her
full part.
It was with feelings of great regret that we announced
the death, at the age of seventy-two years, of Mr. Edmund
Tyldesley, which took place at his residence, lo, Haworth
Street, on September i8th, 1909. Mr. Tyldesley joined this
Society in the year 1880, and very soon took an interest in
the educational work connected therewith. Early in 1884
he was elected as a member of the Educational Committee,
and in 1886 was appointed as Treasurer of the department.
He was further honoured by being appointed as Chairman
by his colleagues, a position he retained for three years in
succession. He was placed on the Library Committee on
joining the Board, and remained a member up to the end
of his term of service in 1894. He gave much time to this
part of the work, and advocated and heartily supported
schemes for the improvement and extension of the Library.
Co-operative Society Limited. 337
Extracts from Minutes, 1909.
On the agenda for the consideration of the May
Quarterly Meeting was a notice of motion submitted by a
member of the Society which sought to reduce the educa-
tional grant from 2J per cent to a fixed sum of not more than
£2,600 per annum. It was agreed that this item should
form the subject of a Special General Meeting to be called
later.
At a Special Meeting held on Monday, May 24th, a
further proposal was made restricting the amount to ^^2,500
per annum. There were not many members present at the
meeting. A very interesting discussion took place, but
on a vote being taken both of the above propositions were
negatived.
The Society became the holder of a farm in its own right
at this period, as is recorded in connection with the
Committee Meeting, Monday, June 14th : —
That we purchase the freehold land and buildings known as
Newhouse Farm, Darcy Lever, containing forty-foui acres.
Special General Meeting, Monday, June 21st : On
account of the Bolton holidays and their interference with
the Educational Election it was deemed advisable, on the
recommendation of the Committee, that Rule 8, relating to
the election of Educational Committee, should be rescinded,
and it was agreed to insert the words —
Or at such other time as a resolution of a Quarterly Meeting
may determine, but not more than seven days previous to or seven
days after the first Monday in each month.
At the Half-yearly Meeting, Monday, August 2nd, it was
resolved that to commemorate the Jubilee of the Society,
which took place on November 4th last, the sum of not more
than ;f3,ooo be allocated for such celebrations, and that a
Special Meeting of the members be called at a later date,
due notice of same to be given, to receive the report of the
Committee as to the manner such celebrations should take.
At a Committee Meeting, Thursday, October 7th, an
interesting minute related to the new premises in Bow
Street. The minute read as follows : —
That arrangements be made for the new offices to be officiall)-
opened on November 13th next.
358 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Committee Meeting, Monday, October nth. — That, on account
ot removal, the offices be closed the whole of }\'odnesday, November
24th, and reopened for business in the new preniises on No^'ember
25th.
At a Committee Meeting on Thursday, October 21st,
an agreement was authorised to be signed with the Co-
operative Union for the safe custody of the Shield won by the
Bolton Co-operative Choral Society at Hull on September
25th, and that the same be signed on behalf of the Society.
Committee Meeting, Thursday, November 25th. — That we for-
ward the sum of /lo (in coupons) to the Bolton Poor Protection
Society, being a grant from the Society's Jubilee Fund (this being
the first payment out of the £100 allocated at the Jubilee meeting
for the relief of distress) .
Committee Meeting, Thursday, December gth. — That we make a
giant of 250 2lb. loaves to the Queen Street Mission, the value of such
to be taken from the Jubilee Fund.
Comm.ittee Meeting, December i6th. — That after December 24th
no further orders be given for the purchase of 's soap,
and that the Co-operative Wholesale Society's Minerva Soap be
substituted in its stead, and that a report of the sale of soaps be
presented immediately after June stocktaking.
The last item of interest in connection with the year
1909 is a recommendation to pay a 3s. in the £ dividend
for the checks brought in, and to carry forward to the
next half year the balance of profit of £62. os. lod.
A word might be added he.e that the Society has so far
prospered as to be able to continue to pay 3s. in the £ up
to its JubUee Year, and still retain a small margin of profit,
to be carried forward for future use.
The Jubilee of the Society no doubt furnishes many
recollections of the early days in its history. Whilst we may
not have amongst us the actual founders, there are those
who have a good knowledge of the difficulties that had to be
encountered before the Society obtained a firm footing
'amongst the people. These men were brought up amidst
surroundings far different from what we find to-day. They
lived the simple life by force of circumstances : their food
was coarse, but it had sustaining and health-giving qualities,
clothing plain but substantial, the education they had been
able to obtain was scanty in the exti"eme. But with all
Co-operative Society Limited. 359
these disadvantages these men proved to be of sterling
character and gi'eat worth. These men we should keep in
mind, as their work was of the highest importance, and its
value we have every evidence of to-day. In this and other
countries monuments have been erected to perpetuate the
memory of men who have done noble deeds of valour and
of service, and, though it may not be thought desirable to
keep in mind the work of the pioneers in this manner, yet
it is incumbent upon us that we carry on the work they
have begun with the same principles to guide us, and with
the idea of assisting humanity to a higher plane.
SECRETARY'S REPORT FOR THE JUBILEE YEAR, 1909.
" Great are the changes that time has wrought,
Great are the blessings honest toil has brought.
Great are the lessons learned and taught.
By fifty years."
The Jubilee Year of our Society, which many of us had looked
forward to with a very expectant eye, is now a thing of the past.
Happily, we can look upon it with feelings of thankfulness (though not
realising, through fickleness of trade, our fullest aim, viz., a trade of
;£i, 000,000) at its being the best year in the Society's long, triumphant
march of progress.
In my report of 1908 an appeal was made to }'0u to make the year
1909 a record year. Thanks to your loyalty, we have even exceeded
our highest anticipation, and instead of the increase in our sales of
;^22,ooo asked for then, you have increased the sales by ;^29,3i2. 4s.
2d., making the handsome total of £gT.y,yoi. 5s. 6^d. for a fifty-two
weeks' year, against ;£888, 389. is. 4jd. for the fifty-three weeks' }-ear
of 1908. 'This result has not been attained without an effort, we
know, on your part, as we must remember the early part of the year
was not without its depression in the industries most of our members
are interested in. And it is on that account we feel we can more
thoroughly congratulate you on the excellent results attained.
Turning to the profit side of our business, the first half of the year
was very satisfactory, but the second half not so good, mainly due
to the high wholesale cost of many of the articles of ordinary con-
sumption, and the fact that your Committee had the desire to retail
to you the best quality of articles at only the most reasonable of
prices. The profit- for the year, after crediting you with £ii,6t-l
17s. 8d. interest on your share capital, has amounted to ;£i40,374
17s. 7d., from which we have been able to maintain the usual 3s. in
the I dividend, allocating for that purpose ;£i3i,377. 13s., educational
purposes £'i,$o:j. 7s. 4d., Jubilee Fund ;^2,5oo, dividend and reserve
fund £-2.,ygg. 8s. lojd., and for other small charges ^£147. us. 5d.,
and to carry f 01 ward the balance of £(>2. os. lod.
360 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
At the close of the year we had 36,001 membeis on our books, an
hicrease on the previous year of 807, whilst the share capital has also
increased by £T.2,yiy. i8s. yd., standing now at £737,783. 13s. 3d.
During the year we have added to our reserve fund 1^299. 8s.
lojd., dividend reserve fund ;^2,ooo, insurance fund /750. gs. lod.,
bringing up the total of those three accounts to the respectable figure
of ^35,859. 8s. 8d. We trust our members understand the meaning
ol these reserves, and the necessity of building up the same during
good times in order that the benefit thereof can be felt in times of
unexpected adversity.
We have also continued depreciating as per our rules, and have
written off £6,704. is. 6d. from our trade buildings and fixed stock,
biing'ng the total cost of our buildings, &c., from ^288,705. 2s. 7d.
down to /i56,oo3. los. iid., in addition to which we have expended
on the same the sum of /3,4ii. i6s. 8Jd. in repairs.
Our Cottage Building Department has had, we think, one of its
most prosperous years, having increased during the year from a
balance of ;f366,622. i6s. o|^d. to the very large sum of ^404,993
3s. 8Jd., being an increase on last year of 1^38,370. 7s. 8d., the
amount haying totalled ;^io5,i26. 5s. ii^d., whilst there has been
repaid by the members of that department /66,755. i8s. 3d. We
have here at Bolton one of the largest Cottage Building Departments
in the movement, finding for us a profitable outlet for our share
capital, and at the same time helping our members to solve for them-
selves the housing problem.
Your Society has often been charged with not paying taxes.
This can easily b; refuted by reference to the balance sheets for the
year, which record payments for rates and taxes to the extent of
/3,026. 9s. iid., and for licences ;^3i. 15s. lod. We also find a con-
siderable amount of employment for the inhabitants of Bolton, our
employes numbering 1,009 ; 246 are engaged in production and 763
in distributing the articles for sale, the wage bill for the year of both
combined amounting to £6^,716. lis. ojd.
Your Committee have, with a view to extending the business of
the Society, been' on the look out for various sites of suitable land,
and have opened new promises at Doficocker for butchering business,
whilst land has also been secured for the fiftieth Branch in Ainsworth
Lane.
Substantial new premises have been opened for the transaction of
business and the administration of our large undertaking, in the new
offices, 14 and 16, Bow Street, Bolton, which, with its 158 feet of
counter space and improved conditions for the staff employed there,
will, we feel sure, be a lasting benefit to the members of our Society.
" Only that which made us
Meant us to be mightier by and by."
Great ami Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 363
CHAPTER XLI.
PAST AND PRESENT OFFICERS.
" Let us now praise famous men —
Men of little showing —
For their work continuetlj,
Broad and deep continueth,
Greater than their knowing."
— Rudyard Kipling.
PRESIDENTS OF THE SOCIETY.
Mr. John Morton, from start to March, i860. First President.
,, William Humphreys, from March, i860, to end of year.
., Henry Gerrey, 1861 to 1862. About two years' service.
„ Jonathan Fishwick, January, 1862, to December, 1863.
,, Samuel Fletcher, January, 1864, to April, 1864.
,, William Slater, April, 1864, to June, 1865 ; January, 1866,
to January, 1867.
,, William Sidlow, July, 1865, to January, 1866.
„ William Humphreys, January, 1867, to January, 1868.
Henry Gerrey, January, 1868, to January, 1870.
Edward Dillon, January, 1870, to January, 1871.
„ Jonathan Fishwick, January, 1871, to July, 1872.
„ William Johnson, July, 1872, to December, 1873.
* ,, John Tunstall, January, 1874, to December, 1876.
„ Samuel Taylor, January, 1877, to December, 1878.
* „ Freeman Boardman, January, 1879, to December, 1879.
* „ William Rigby, January, 1880, to June, 1880.
„ Thomas Hargreaves, July, 1880, to December, 1884.
* „ William Entwistle, January, 1885, to December, 1886.
* ,, John Carr, January, 1887, to September, 1888. Now Shop
Inspector.
John Thomasson, November, 1888, to February, 1891.
* ,',' William Lander, February, 1891, to December, 1891 ;
February, 1893, to February, 1897.
* „ William A. Hilton, February, 1892, to February, 1893 ;
February, 1897, to March, 1900 ; March, 1902, to March,
1904 ; Eight years.
" ,, Thomas Crossley, March, 1 90 1, to March, 1902.
I- „ William J. Bradley, March 5th, 1906, to March 2nd, 1908.
* „ William Yates, March 6th, 1905, to March, 1906 ; re-elected
March 2nd, 1908, and still serving.
• still living.
364 History of the Great and Little Bolton
GENERAL MANAGERS AND SECRETARIES.
The following were General Managers of the Society
from its formation to the present time : —
Mr. William Crankshaw, July i6th, 1866.
,, Samuel Shaw.
,, William Blackburn.
,, Henry Gerrey, December 12th, 1871, to December, i88g.
„ Alfred Hackney, March nth, 1890, to his death in November,
1905-
,, Joseph Pomfret, November 24th, 1905. Still serving.
At the beginning no Manager was appointed, the head
shopman practically acting as such under the direction of
the Committee. Mr. William Crankshaw was the first
permanent Manager appointed.
The names of those who have filled the office of Secre-
tary of the Society to the present time are : —
Mr. John Bridge, pro tern.
William Crankshaw, from start to being permanently
appointed Secretary on October 2nd, 1865. He was
appointed General Manager on July i6th, 1866.
,, Charles Ditchfield, December, 1866, to July, 1867.
„ Thomas Bulmer, January, 1867, to December, 1868.
,, Sydney Jackson, January, 1868, to December, 1870.
,, Henry Gerrey, December 13th, 1870, to June, 1871.
„ William Clegg, July, 1871, to March, 1875.
,, Alfred Hackney, June, 1875, to 1879, when he was appointed
permanent Secretary, in which position he remained until
the end of 1889, when he became General Manager.
„ Charles Ditchfield, Secretary and Cashier, 1890 to 1894.
,, Joseph Pomfret, appointed Secretary 1894, serving in that
capacity until November 24th, 1905, when he became
General Manager.
„ William Bentley, A.C.I.S., appointed Secretary, December,
1905, and still serving.
It should be noted that Mr. Crankshaw served as
Secretary to the Committee from the beginning, and he was
the first permanent Secretary appointed by the members.
Co-operative Society Limited. 365
When he was appointed as General Manager the office of
Secretary again lapsed into the form of Secretary to the
Committee, who was elected annually for this service by
the members, until the time Mr. Hackney was appointed.
When Mr. Hackney became Secretary he was the first per-
manent Secretary whose name appeared on the balance
sheets as such, the name of the Secretary as a permanent
one not appearing on them until his time. Mr. Hackney
was the second permanent Secretary elected by the members.
TREASURERS.
Mrs. AsHTON, 1859 to end of 1866.
Mr. Wright Orrell, for a few weeks only, temporary Treasurer.
„ James Holt, for a few weeks only, temporary Treasurer.
,, J. BuLLOUGH, for a few weeks only, temporary Treasurer.
„ Thomas Bulmer, January 7th, 1867.
„ Charles Ditchfield, 1871.
„ William Sheppard, 1901. Still serving.
With the appointment of Mr. Charles Ditchfield the
office of Treasurer ceased, and that of Cashier was instituted
instead.
A Financial Sub-Committee, consisting of two persons
(Mr. Walker and Mr. Seddon) , was formed at the Quarterly
Meeting held October ist, 1886, to supervise all the accounts
and financial matters generally. They remained in office
until Mr. Ditchfield was appointed.
TRUSTEES.
Mr. Thomas Nicholson. Mr. Thomas Hemmings.
Mr. Thomas Stevenson.
The office 6f Trustee was finally abolished by Act of
Parliament, thus giving Societies greater freedom, and
allowing them to hold property in their own right.
366 History of the Great and Little Bolton
AUDITORS.
John Fletcher, Jun., March, i860, to December, i860.
„ „ ,, March, 1863, to December, 1863.
,, ,, March, 1865, to December, 1865.
Joseph Hollas, March, i860, to December, i860.
RicHAKD Tabbern, March, 1861. Balance sheet only.
Thomas Stevenson, March, 1861. Balance sheet only.
„ ,, March, 1863, to December, 1863.
John Bridge, June, 1861, to December, 1862.
John Howarth, June, 1861, to December, 1862.
William Slater, March, 1863, to December, 1863.
Isaiah Arstall, March, 1864, to December, 1864.
Joseph Unsworth Mather, March, 1S65, to September, 1865.
„ „ „ March, 1866, to December, 1866.
„ „ ,, March, 1867, to December, 1867.
William Buckley, March, 1865. Balance sheet only.
George Rathbone, March, 1866, to December, 1866.
Thomas Entwistle, March, 1867, to December, 1867.
„ March, 1868, to December, 1875.
„ ,, June, 1876, to December, 1880.
,, ,, March, 1880, to December, 1881.
,, „ March, 1882, to June, 1886.
David Scholes, March, 1868, to March, 1875.
Sydney Jackson, June, 1875, to December, 1880.
Francis Gregory, March, 1881, to December, 1881.
James Crook, March, 1881, to December, 1886.
Thomas Eckersley, March, 1882, to December, 1886.
John Ramsden, September, 1886, only.
Up to 1880 only two Auditors were elected by the
members, but the work grew in volume until it became
necessary to appoint three Auditors in 1881.
The firm of Messrs. P. and J. Kevan, chartered account-
ants, commenced auditing the books of the Society for the
March balance sheet, 1887, and they still continue to perform
this service and to give the utmost satisfaction. The mere
fact that they are audited by a firm of their standing is an
additional source of strength to the Society.
Co-operative Society Limited.
367
LIST OF THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED ON THE
COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT.
Prior to 1866 no names appeared on the balance sheets
of those elected for service on the Committee of Manage-
ment. They simply figured, and signed themselves as,
" The Committee." The list compiled below gives the first
year elected only : —
Henry Gerrey 1863
John Tunstall 1863
Thomas Walsh 1863
Freeman Boardman 1863
Edward Dillon 1863
William Johnson 1863
John Howarth 1863
Sydney Jackson 1863
John Brierley 1864
John Hollas 1864
Thomas Kay 1864
Robert Grime 1864
Thomas Hemmings 1864
William Slater 1864
James Whittaker 1864
Benjamin Atkinson 1864
Jonathan Fish WICK 1864
Peter Fletcher 1864
John Seddon 1864
James Bullough 1864
Robert Crankshaw 1864
William Heys 1865
Edwin Staton Crook ... . 1865
Samuel Fletcher 1865
Abraham Fielding 1865
Nathan Berry 1865
Jos. Walker (Vice-Pres.).. 1867
William Johnson 1867
John Seddon 1867
John Ogden 1867
William Fletcher 1867
William Roberts 1867
William Sheppard 1868
Isaiah Arstall 1868
James Rowe i86g
Joseph Walker 1869
William Dorning 1869
Francis Smith 1869
Thomas Fox 1869
John Kendall 1869
John Anderson 1869
Samuel He ale y 1870
Walter ViCKERS 1871
William Johnson 1871
William Slater 1871
William Dance 1872
John Coop 1872
James Grime 1873
James Edge 1874
Alfred Hackney 1874
Peter Entwistle 1874
James Woolley 1875
Samuel Taylor 1875
Thomas Chadwick 1875
John Williams 1875
Abraham Smith 1875
Thomas Hargreaves .... 1876
James Fletcher 1877
William Rigby 1878
William Entwistle 1878
Wm. Arthur Hilton 1879
William Bentley 1881
Edward Jas. Morris .... 1881
John Thomasson 1881
Robert Brindle 1882
John Carr 1882
John Worsley 1885
Eli Farnwoeth 1 886
368
History of the Great and Little Bolton
List of those who have served on the Committee of
Management — continued.
Squire H. Pilkington . . . 1886
William Flitcroft 1886
John Wilfred Lawson . . 1887
Edwin Haslam 1887
James Brown 1888
William Lander 1889
James Crook 1889
John Horrocks 1889
Frank Brown 1890
James Howarth 1890
Thomas Lewis 1891
William E. Foster 1892
Samuel Fairbrother .... 1892
Richard G. Crowshaw . . 1893
Thomas Shepherd 1893
Thomas Crossley 1893
Joseph Roylance 1893
Joseph Hamer 1893
Alfred Hill 1894
Robert Bell 1895
Robert Fray 1897
Albert Hardcastle 1897
Robert Howarth 1897
John Bentley 1897
Henry H. Brownlow . . . i8g8
John Hodge 1 898
William Martindale .... 1901
John T. Walkden 1901
John Nuttall igoi
William Yates 1902
William Forber 1903
William J. Bradley .... 1904
James Monks 1905
William Henry Jones . . 1905
George Eckersley 1905
Oswald Rothwell 1906
John H. Cochrane 1907
William Vose igo8
John William Hirst .... 1908
This list has been compiled as carefully as possible,
but, as no records of early Committees exist, it is not quite
complete.
TT
Co-operative Society Limited. 369
CHAPTER XLII.
TRUSTEES AND ARBITRATORS.
Appointment of Officers — Qualification for Trustee — Power
to Attend Meetings — Rules for Regulation of Trustees —
The Names of Trustees of this Society — Rules for Arbitra-
tion— Powers of Trustees.
AT the first meeting of the Society eight persons were
elected as a Committee of Management, three
Trustees, a President, Treasurer, Secretary, two
Auditors, and five Arbitrators, the persons elected as
Arbitrators not being directly or indirectly interested in
the funds of the Society. These were to be elected at the
Annual General Meeting ; in failure thereof, the officers
last appointed should continue to hold office. If any such
officers or any Trustee died or was removed previous to
such meeting, the Committee were empowered to appoint
a person to fill the vacancy. No person was to be eligible
for a Trustee, or to be on the Committee, who had not been
a member of the Society six months, or be eligible for Presi-
dent who had not been either a Trustee or on the Com-
mittee. A copy of every resolution appointing a Trustee
was to be sent to the Registrar of Friendly Societies in
England, under the hands of three members, and signed by
such Trustee and countersigned by the Secretary.
The Trustees were admitted to all meetings of the Com-
mittee of Management, and were at liberty to take part in
the proceedings thereof, and vote on any question under
discussion. They were also to do and execute all the
several duties and functions delegated to them by the
statute relating respectively to Industrial or Friendly
Societies, unless otherwise provided for. Every Trustee
continued in office until remoyed by a resolution of any
special or general meeting of the members, and in case
370 History of the Great and Little Bolton
any Trustee, after being relieved of his office by such
resolution, should refuse or neglect to assign or transfer
any property of the Society, he should (if he was a member)
be expelled the Society, and should cease to have any
claim on the Society on account of any contributions paid
by him, or on any shares he might hold therein.
If any member made any default for three calendar
months in payrhent of any subscriptions, fines, debts, or
other sum of money due from him under the Rules, or other-
wise, the same respectively should be recoverable from him,
his executors, or administrators, by legal process, as a debt
due to the Society, or the non-payment thereof might be
considered as a matter in dispute between him and the
Trustees, to be settled by arbitration as provided for in the
Rules ; " and the Trustees of the Society shall, on the
resolution of a meeting of members, take such proceedings
against any member making such default as may be deter-
mined upon."
The of&ce of Trustee was abolished by Act of Parliament
about 1862. The names of the Trustees of this Society
were Mr. Thqmas Nicholson, Mr. Thornas Hemmings, and
Mr. Thomas Stevenson. For the settlement of disputes
between any member and the Trustees, Treasurer, or other
officer of the Society, or the Committee thereof, or under the
Rules, it was to be referred to arbitration, " and in each case
of dispute the names of the Arbitrators shall be written on
pieces of paper, and placed in a box or glass, and the three
whose names are first drawn out by the complaining party,
or by someone appointed by him, shall be the Arbitrators
to decide the matter in difference." The costs of the
reference were to be paid by such party, or by the parties,
in such proportion as the Arbitrators directed ; " and the
parties requiring the arbitration shall, previous to the
matter being gone into, deposit with the Secretary the
sum of ten shillings to abide the result."
It is needless to say that the services of Arbitrators
were not often needed, although they were provided for.
The duties of the Trustees were as follows : — " That the
property of this Society shall be vested in Trustees, and the
said Trustees shall hold sucli property for the benefit of the
Co-operative Society Limited.
371
Society. All grants, conveyances, and assurances of
property in favour of this Society, and all instruments and
insurances for the security of this Society shall be made in
the name of the Trustees for the time being. They shall
transact all business connected with the paying of money
into, or withdrawing money from, the bank ; but on no
pretence whatever shall they transact such business except
all three be present." It is needless to say that the powers
of the Trustees were soon felt to be a drag on Co-operative
Societies, and the abolition of this office relieved them' of
an incubus.
372 History of the Great and Little Bolton
CHAPTER XLIII.
AUDITORS.
First Attempts — Third Members' Auditor Appointed — Motion
to Appoint Public Auditors lost — A Second also — Com-
mittee's Motion met by Requisition — this carried —
P. and J. Kevan Appointed.
AS early as 1878 the question of the official auditing of the
books by public accountants was taken into account,
as the following resolution of the Quarterly Meeting
held on July ist, 1878, will show : —
That this meeting recommend the Committee to procure from
public accountants a tender or tenders to audit this Society's
accounts, such audit to include the examination of all accounts,
books, and documents which are examined by our present Auditors,
and that the above-mentioned tenders be placed before the next
Quarterly Meeting of the Society.
This question was referred to the Finance Sub-Committee
at the next meeting for consideration, and invitations to
tender for the work were sent out to Messrs. Kevan,
Wolfenden, and Greenhalgh, accountants, for estimates
for the auditing of the books.
On September 13th, 1880, a recommendation was
adopted that a third Auditor should be appointed to initial
members' books, and so enable the balance sheets to be got
out earlier — one to be elected at the Half-yearly Meeting
and the other two at the Annual Meeting. This course was
rendered necessary owing to the large increase of member-
ship at this time making the work of auditing rather more
than two men could conveniently manage.
It was not pressed at this time that official or Public
Auditors should be appointed, but in 1885 the question
began to loom largely to the front at the members' meetings.
Co-operative Society Limited. 373
At the Special Meeting, Monday, September 7th, 1885,
the question of appointing a Pubhc Auditor as per the notice
convening the meeting was discussed, and a vote taken on
a motion that a Public Auditor be appointed, 107 votes
being for the motion and 108 against. The motion was,
therefore, lost.
Not deterred by this result, another attempt was made
at the Quarterly Meeting, Monday, October 5th, 1885.
Mr. Samuel Isherwood made the following motion : —
That a Special Meeting be held to alter the Rule 53, as follows : —
" Any Special Meeting shall, notwithstanding any of the provisions
herein contained, have power to appoint a Public Auditor to audit
the accounts of the Society for any period not exceeding twelve
months, and may fix the amount of remuneration to be paid to such
Auditor."
The motion was lost by a large majority.
The next attempt proposed came from the Committee,
as follows : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, November ist, 1886. — That, in
view of the constant agitation amongst the members on the subject
of the "appointment of Public Auditors, we are strongly and unani-
mously of opinion that in the interest of the Society it is absolutely
necessary to deal definitely with the question of the audit of the
Society's accounts, believing that this can best be accomplished by
decided action on the part of the Committee, and that the only
permanent and satisfactory solution will be found in the appointment
of Public Auditors to audit the accounts of the Society, and dispense
with the services of the whole of the present Auditors, and that we
take steps to make the next Quarterly Meeting a Special Meeting
to enable us to deal with the question.
The members, however, did not wait for this to eventuate,
but presented a requisition to the Committee, as is recorded
on the books at this time : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, November 15th, 1886. — That, in
compliance with the requisition presented, a Special General Meeting
of the members of the Society be called, to be held in the Co-operative
Hall, Bridge Street, Bolton, on Monday, November 22nd, 1886, at
7-30 p.m., to take into consideration the following motion to be
submitted : — " That a Committee, consisting of three practical
bookkeepers (members of this Society), not holding any official
position therein, shall be appointed to act in conjunction with the
present Auditors in examining the whole system of accounts, and all
pther matters having reference to the finances of this Society, and
374 History of the Great and Little Bolton
conferring with the Secretary and all other officials deemed necessary
thereon. They shall further be empowered to make such alterations
and rearrangements as they may consider necessary, and that a
detailed report of their proceedings be printed and circulated to the
members of this Society at the next Quarterly Meeting."
The next resolutions connected with this matter are
appended : —
That the minute No. i, passed November ist, be and the same is
hereby rescinded, and that a Special General Meeting of the members
of the Society be called to be held in conjunction with the above-
named meeting to take into consideration the following recommenda-
tion of the Committee of Management : — " That, in view of the
constant agitation on the subject of the appointment of Public
Auditors, we are strongly and unanimously of opinion that in the
interest of the Society it is advisable to deal definitely and at once
with the question, and we, therefore, recommend the meeting to
appoint Public Auditors to audit the books and accounts of the
Society for the year 1887, in accordance with Rule 53, and to dispense
with the services of the Elective Auditors for that year."
Committee Meeting, Monday, October 17th, 1887. — That we
recommend the reappointment of the present professional Auditors
to audit the books and accounts of the Society for the year ending
December nth, 1888, in accordance with Rule 53, and that the
services of Elective Auditors be dispensed with for that year.
Special General Meeting, Monday, November 22nd, 1887. —
That Messrs. P. and J. Kevan be the Public Auditors appointed,
and that their remuneration be ;^i5o or thereabouts.
Co-operative Society Limited. 375
CHAPTER XLIV.
THE STORES AND CENTRAL
DEPARTMENTS.
" For all thy needs visit the Store."
Number of Stores — Goods Sold Weekly — Grocery Stores —
Butchering — Boot and Shoe — Productive Departments.
AT the present time there are 103 Stores in which the
distributive trade of the Society is conducted.
This comprises the businesses of grocers, provision
dealers, bakers and confectioners, boot and shoe, hat and
cap, and butchers, a separate part of each Store used being
set apart for the last-named occupation.
As the members know, all these are extremely busy
centres of distribution, as may be gathered from the follow-
ing list of commodities disposed of weekly : — Bread, 33,000
2lb. loaves ; butter, 20 tons ; bacon and ham, 7 tons ;
biscuits, 25 cwt. ; coffee, 12 cwt. ; dried fruit, 35 cwt. ;
cheese, 50 cwt. ; rice, 2 tons ; sugar, 50 tons ; soap, 20 tons ;
tea, 5,700 lbs. ; flour, 700 loads ; potatoes, 500 loads ; lard,
7 tons ; tinned goods, 350 dozen tins ; confectionery, 400
dozen ; eggs, 150,000 ; pigs, 35 ; beasts, 40 ; sheep, 200 ;
besides a numerous assortment of miscellaneous articles
which could scarcely be classified.
The constantly increasing trade has so severely taxed the
resources of the various departments that extensions have
often to be made in order to cope with the varying
demands, and bring the establishment thoroughly up to
date. This will be better realised by our members when
all the alterations to the Central shops are fully completed,
thus making them more in accordance with modern
business ideas.
376
History of the Great and Little Bolton
PLACES OF BUSINESS OF THE SOCIETY.
GROCERY STORES,
No. 1. Bridge Street Opened
2. Derby Street
3. Burns Street
4. Daubhill
5. Brownlow Fold
6. Venture Street
7. Hibbert Street
8. Bradshaw
9. Halliwell Road
10. Pikes Lane
11. Victory (Old)
(New)
12. Vernon Street
13. Astley Bridge
14. Darcy Lever
15. Haulgh
16. Folds Road
17. Moor Lane
18. Rose Hill
19. Thwaites Street
20. Tonge Moor
21. Doffcocker
22. Rishton Lane
23. High Street
24. Tonge Fold
25. Astley Street
26. Morris Green
27. Gibbon Street
28. Turton Road
29. Eskrick Street
30. Deane Road
31. Halliwell Rd. (Lower End) . .
32. Belmont
33. Ivy Road
34. Manchester Road (Burnden) .
May, 1866.
January, 1868.
October, 1865.
March, 1867.
February, 1870.
September, 1872.
January, 1873.
February, 1873.
December, 1873.
December, 1873.
January, 1877.
January, 1894.
February, 1878.
April 4th, 1878.
June, 1879.
April 1 6th, 1880.
January, 1881.
January, 1881.
April, 1884.
April, 1884.
May 2ist, 1886.
May 20th, 1887.
December, 1887.
April 27th, 1888.
October 9th, 189
October 9th, 189
June, 1892.
July, 1892.
January, 1892.
April 7th, 1893.
January, 1894.
November, 1893.
November, 1895.
November, 1900.
February, 1897.
* Converted into Boot and Shoe Department March, 1882, and present Grocery
premises opened in its place.
I Victory Store enlarged and opened IWarch, 1883 ; now converted to Boot and
Shoe ; New Grocery opened 1894.
Co-operative Society Limited.
2,77
Grocery Stores — continued.
April 14th, i8gg.
August, 1899.
July, 1899.
October 25th, 1900.
May 17th, 1901.
August 12th, 1901.
June, 1902.
September i8th, 1902.
October 23rd, 1902.
March 5th, 1903.
March 19th, 1903.
May 20th, 1904.
June loth, 1904.
June, 1906.
November 14th, 1907.
October 30th, 1908.
No. 35. Mayor Street .' Opened
„ 36. Musgrave Road
„ 37. Bennett's Lane
„ 38. Sweetloves
„ 39. Bank Top ,
„ 40. Dobson Road
„ 41. Deane Church Lane
„ 42. Castle Hill
„ 43. Waterloo Street
„ 44. Lena Street
„ 45. Goldsmith Street
„ 46. Woodgate Street
„ 47. St. Helens Road
„ 48. Breightmet
„ 49. Lamb Brow
,, 50. Danby Road
Halliwell enlarged in 1881.
In addition the following shops have been used by the
Society in its business : —
Derby Street, opened November 4th, 1859 ; given up Decem-
ber, 1867.
Manor Street, opened May, i860 ; given up April, 1866.
Manor Street Drapery Department, started June, i860.
Manor Street Boot and Shoe Department, started July, i860.
Butcher Stall in Market, started July, i860 ; ceased September,
1861.
No. 147, Newport Street, opened September 7th, 1865 ; given
up September, 1879 ; business transferred to the present
Burns Street Store.
Baking Department at Central started September, 1866.
Central Flour Department opened about August, 1866.
Central Clogging Department opened about August, 1866.
Central Bridge Street Tailoring Department opened about
August, 1867.
Central Bridge Street Milhnery Department opened about
August, 1867.
It must be distinctly understood that the dates given
are only approximate, as the actual date is not recorded in
many cases. Every effort has been made to givfe the
correct date of opening where possible.
378
History of the Great and Little Bolton
BUTCHERING STORES.
No. I.
2.
3-
4-
5-
6.
7-
8.
9-
lo.
II.
12.
13-
14-
15-
i6.
17-
i8.
19-
20.
, 21.
. 22.
, 23.
, 24.
, 25.
, 26.
, 27.
, 28.
, 29.
, 30-
. 31-
, 32.
Bow Street (Central) Opened
Astley Bridge
Hibbert Street
Venture Street
Brownlow Fold
Daubhill
Pikes Lane
HaUiwell Road
Victory
Derby Street
Vernon Street
Astley Street
Rose Hill
Bradshaw Brow
Eskrick Street
Tonge Moor
Tonge Fold
Burns Street
Rishton Lane
Manchester Road
Musgrave Road
High Street
St. Ann Street
Folds Road
Morris Green
Darcy Lever
Woodgate Street
Ivy Road
Breightmet
Deane Church Lane
Danby Road
Doffcocker
February, 1877.
June, 1878.
March, 1883.
September, 1883.
December, 1885.
March, 1886.
June, 1886.
September, 1886.
December, 1886.
December, 1886.
August, 1890.
October, 1891.
July, 1892.
October, 1892.
April 7th, 1893.
September, 1893.
October, 1893.
March, 1894.
October, 1895.
February, 1896.
August, 1899.
June, 1902.
February 13th, 1903.
September 4th, 1903.
January 7th, 1904.
May 27th, 1904.
June 17th, 1904.
October 28th, 1904.
June, 1906.
August 30th, 1907.
October 31st, 1908.
July 12th, 1909.
BOOT AND SHOE DEPARTMENTS.
No. I. Bridge Street Opened about June, 1866.
„ 2. Hibbert Street ,, March, 1873.
„ 3. Venture Street „ December, 1877.
„ 4. Astley Bridge „ June, 1878.
Co-operative Society Limited.
Boot and Shoe Departments — continued.
No. 5. Daubhill .Opened June, 1882.
379
6. Eskrick Street.
7. Victory
8. Manchester Road
9. Tonge Moor
10. Deane Road
11. Tonge Fold
12. Stewart Street . ..
13. Halliwell Road.. . .
April 7tli, 1893.
February, 1895.
February, 1897.
May nth, 1899.
January, 1901.
June ist, 1904.
June, 1906.
October 14th, 1908.
The early shops were opened more for the clogging trade than as
Boot and Shoe Departments.
Drapery Department, Bridge Street
and St. George's Street Opened
Tailoring Dept. first commenced in
Bridge Street, 1867.
Tailoring Department (Bark Street) . ,,
Furniture (No. i) first started in con-
nection with Drapery Department
(Bridge Street), August, 1877.
Ditto (No. 2, Bridge Street) „
Ditto (No. 3) separated from
Drapery in Bark Street, January,
1882.
Hat and Cap Department (Bridge St.)
Confectionery Department „
Jewellery Department „
Painting Department ,,
Restaurant Department (Bow St.) . .
Milk Department (Kay Street)
Bakery (Kay Street)
Stables (Lark Street)
(All Saints' Street)
(John Street)
Abattoirs (All Saints' Street)
Tonge Head Farm (Castle Hill, Tonge)
leased.
Newhouse Farm, comprising 40 acres
of freehold land (Darcy Lever),
bought July 26th, 1909.
March, 1897.
February, 1877.
February 23rd, 1889.
March, 1882.
September, 1889.
October, 1897.
June, 1901.
May, 1900.
April ist, 1886.
1883.
May, 1877.
November, 1897.
January, 1885.
380 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Tripe Boiling Works (Derby Street). .Opened June, 1901.
Coal Department started about Sep-
tember, 1 871.
Coal Bagging Department started in
September, 1892.
Bridge Street Warehouse „ about July, 1873.
Registered Oiifice, 32, Bridge Street, Bolton, to November 24th, 1909 ;
14 and 16, Bow Street, Bolton, from November 25th, 1909.
PRODUCTIVE DEPARTMENTS.
Millinery.
Mantle-making.
Dressmaking and Ladies' Tailoring.
Shirt-making.
Ladies' Underclothing.
Gentlemen's Tailoring and Ladies' Tailor-made Costumes.
Electricity.
Pork Butchery, Sausages, Puddings, &c.
Baking and Confectionery.
Boots, Shoes, and Clogs.
Cabinet Makers and Upholsterers, on the premises. Bridge Sireet.
Co-operative Society Limited. 381
CHAPTER XLV.
EMPLOYES' HOURS AND HOLIDAYS.
" Each man is some man's servant ; every soul
Is by some other's presence quite discrowned ;
Each owes the next through all the imperfect round,
Yet not with mutual help ; each man is his own goal,
And the whole earth must stop to pay his toll."
— Lowell.
Managing our own Affairs — Hours at Start — Early Efforts at
Reduction — Wednesday Holiday Established — Hours
Reduced — Envy of Other Workers — Thanks of Employees
Tendered for Grant of Reduced Hours — Revised Shop
Hours — Shop Hours Bill — Only Two Days' Holiday — Pay-
ment for Holidays Refused — Week's Holiday Arranged
Conditionally — Holiday Resolution — Six Days Granted.
Hours of Labour.
CO the credit of the Bolton Co-operative Society must
be placed the fact that it has never once sought aid
from any outside source in matters relating to the
control of its staff. Seeing that the Board of Management
has always been selected from among the Society's own
members, and has been elected only by vote of the members
themselves, there has never been any great difference in the
position of a Committee-man as a working man and the
servants employed by the Society. From the workers'
standpoint, the members of the Committee have generally
been found willing to favour reasonable hours and good
conditions of labour for the employes. Thus at no time in
the history of the Society has this question presented any
serious difficulty to the management. On both sides there
has been shown a desire to be fair when questions relating
to the hours and conditions of employment have had to be
discussed.
At the start, the time the first shop opened was from six
o'clock to ten o'clock in the evenings only. When business
382 History of the Great and Little Bolton
commenced properly the hours and conditions were onerous
indeed, from eight o'clock in the morning until half -past
ten o'clock at night being usual, and eleven o'clock on the
Saturday. This, however, soon dropped to half-past ten.
Early in 1861 (June) the members decided that the two
shops then in existence should be closed at two o'clock on
a Tuesday afternoon.
In March , 187 1 , the hours of labour were again considered,
and it was decided that on and after Friday, the 14th
instant, all the shops (except the draper's shop) should
remain open until ten o'clock on Friday nights, and close at
ten o'clock on Saturday nights. The draper's shop remained
open until nine o'clock on Monday nights, and closed at
nine o'clock on Fridays and ten o'clock on Saturdays. On
September nth, 1872, a reduction of hours came into force
by the announcement that " All our shops wiU close at
-half-past nine o'clock on Friday evenings instead of ten
o'clock as at present."
The start of the Wednesday holiday agitation is recorded
in the following resolution : ' ' That, having considered the
question of a general holiday, the Committee inform the
deputation waiting upon us that so soon as Wednesday
afternoon becomes general amongst the tradesmen of the
town this Society will be prepared to meet them by closing
our shops on Wednesday instead of Tuesday as at present."
(September 23rd, 1872.) At the Quarterly Meeting held on
Monday, October 7th, 1872, a recommendation was made
by the members as follows : " That this meeting recommend
the Committee to close their shops on Wednesday instead
of Tuesday afternoons in one month from this date if the
movement is general throughout the town." Thus started
the Wednesday half-holiday as practised to-day.
A few years passed before any change of note occurred,
and then at the Quarterly Meeting held on April 5th, 1875,
it was resolved : " That on and after the 19th inst. all the
shops belonging to this Society shall close at half-past seven
o'clock p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays ; and
at half -past nine on Fridays and Saturdays." This was a
boon to the employes which their fellows working in private
establishments in the town envied very considerably, but
Co-operative Society Limited. 383
it did not stop there as a final arrangement. It was only in
1889 that the shop hours began to appear on the balance
sheets, and then it comes in under the general notices.
Prior to that time it was too trivial a matter to be worth
much notice. The notice runs as follows on the June
balance sheet, 1889 : " Grocery and provision shops, and
Branch boot, shoe, and clog shops will be closed on Satur-
days at half-past eight p.m. ; Central drapery, boot and
shoe, tailoring, furnishing, and hat and cap shops will be
closed on Fridays at half-past eight p.m. ; all the shops
will be closed at half-past twelve on Wednesdays."
At the Quarterly Meeting held on Monday, August ist,
1892, a further reduction of hours was brought about by
a motion as follows : — " That the working hours of the
employes of this Society be reduced from fifty-seven and a
half hours per week to fifty-five hours per week," and on
the motion being put to the meeting it was carried by a
large majority. The net result was an alteration of shop
hours to fifty-five.
A list of the changed hours was issued, and the attention
of the members called to it. Commenting on this fact the
' ' Record ' ' states : —
The hours of every shop have been altered, and, including the
ofifice, the various departments in the Central block of buildings close
at five different times on Saturday evenings, so members had better
keep the list handy for future reference.
At the next Monthly Meeting the question that attracted
most attention was the alteration in the shop hours, which
was raised by several members, who thought that greater
uniformity might have been observed in the arrangement.
The Chairman (Mr. Hilton), in reply, stated that the
Committee, having considered the matter, were of opinion
that they had made the best arrangement for the interests
of the Society, and asked the members to give the new
hours a fair trial. It was said that the reason one shop was
kept open longer than another was that the members were
in the habit of leaving their purchases in the Clothing and
Furniture Departments until late on Saturdays, which
caused these shops to be inconveniently crowded on those
evenings.
384
History of the Great and Little Bolton
In response to this concession the employes of the
Society passed a resolution " desiring to tender their thanks
to the Committee and also to the members for the reduction
of two and a half hours per week in the working hours.
They desired also to assure them that the reduction was
all the more appreciated seeing that it was granted readily
and unsolicited."
In December, 1906, the Committee came forward with
another resolution for the reduction of working hours for
submitting to the consideration of the Quarterly Meeting
which was to be held on February 4th, 1907. The
recommendation reads : " That the shop hours of the
Society be reduced from fifty-five to fifty-four and a half
hours per week, and that alterations be made in the opening
and closing of the departments as specified then."
On the same agenda also appears a motion by Mr. Joseph
Bagshaw: "That we recommend the Committee of Manage-
ment to close our Central Stores on Saturdays at 7 p.m.,
and that the employes receive the same remuneration."
These motions were not dealt with until the Adjourned
Quarterly and the Monthly Meetings business was discussed
on March 4th, 1907. After considerable discussion had
taken place, the Committee's recommendation was carried,
and later Mr. Bagslifiw was allowed to withdraw his motion.
The revised shop hours came into operation on AprU ist,
1907, and they now are as follows : —
Business Hours.
Department.
Monday.
Tuesday.
Wednes-
day.
Thursday.
Friday.
Saturday.
Central Grocery &
Branch Grocery
Drapery, Tailor-
ing.CentralBoot
and shoe, Furni-
ture, Jewellery,
and Hat and Cap
Central Butcher-
A.M. P.M.
8 to 7-30
8-30 to 8
8 to 6
8 to 12
8 to 7-30
g to 8
9 to 7-30
8 to 5-30
9 to 7
A.M. P.M.
8 to 7
8 to 7
8 to 7
8 to r
8 to 7
8-30 to 7
9 to 7
6-30 to 5-30
9 to 7
A.M. P.M.
8 to IZ
8 to 12
8 to 12
8 to r2
8 to 12
8-30 to 12
9 to 7
6-30 to 5-30
9 to 12
A.M. P.M.
8 to 7-30
8 to 7-30
8 to 7-30
8 to 7-30
8 to 7-30
8-30 to 7-30
9 to 7-30
6-30 to 5-30
9 to 7
A.M. P.M.
8 to 9
8-30 to 9
8 to 9
8 to 9
8 to 9
8-30 to 9
9 to 9
6-30 to 5-30
9 to 7
A.M. P.M.
8 to 7
8-30 to 8
Branch Butcher-
ing
Branch Shoe ....
Confectionery. . . .
Restaurant
Painting
Office
8 to 8
8-30 to 7
8-30 to 8
9 to 10
6-30 to I
9 to 7
Co-operative Society Limited. 385
Shop Hours Bill.
Co-operators will not be affected by the Shop Hours Bill,
which is really only an effort to bring ordinary retail shops
into line with Co-operative Stores. As long ago as 1901 a
Select Committee of the House of Lords met, with Lord
Avebury as Chairman, to inquire into the hours worked by
shop assistants. The most conspicuous fact they elicited
was with reference to the short working week of Co-operative
shop assistants. In their report, the members of the Com-
mittee made special mention of the fact that the Co-operative
Stores at J arrow closed at half -past five, while mention was
made of the establishment of the forty-eight hour week in
many places. Several officers of trade organisations told the
Committee that the Co-operators had an advantage over
the ordinary shopkeeper in being able to control their own
service, and that their purchasing members were responsible
for the shortness or the length, of hours that were worked. The
new Bill, which has been introduced by Mr. Gladstone with
a view to detailed discussion rather than immediate legisla-
tion, provides for a maximum sixty-hour week, exclusive
of meal times, and would prevent any assistant being
employed after eight o'clock in the evening on more than
three days in the week. Overtime is limited to not more
than two hours on not more than thirty days in the year.
The weekly half -holiday is included as a legal provision,
and universal Sunday closing — :save in Jewish localities —
is to be the rule. Certain exemptions are allowed with regard
to bread, milk, newspapers, &c., and altogether the measure
is a distinct advance — in a Co-operative direction.
In the ear'ly days the conditions of labour were onerous
indeed, no holidays at all being granted. Soon, however,
two days' leave was granted, but wages were deducted for
the time so lost. Eventually wages were allowed for these
two days' holiday, and they became the standard of holidays
allowed to employes. As late as 1870 only two days'
holidays were allowed at midsummer, but a point was
stretched by allowing a full week under certain conditions
on special application being made for it, providing that
suitable arrangements could be made whereby the work
386 History of the Great and Little Bolton
could be attended to by others, but wages for all time taken
above the two days was deducted from all, the Managers
being no exception to the rule. An attempt was made by
the employes to obtain wages for holidays at this
period, and, in response to the application, a reply was
received " That it is contrary to rule to pay wages to any of
the servants when off work."
From the inadequate records available for 1880 it seems
that the practice of allowing a week's holiday to those indi-
viduals who applied for it was really only started this year as a
recognised fact, but special application had to be made to
the Committee. Many records are in existence at this time
of the privilege having been granted to applicants whose
names are specified.
On August i6th, 1880, the Secretary was instructed to
write the Manchester Equitable, Leeds, and Rochdale
Societies asking what system they had adopted with
regard to the granting of leave of absence to their
employes.
On July 14th, 1887, the question of holidays came up for
consideration so far as they affected the milkmen. A
decision was arrived at " That the mUkmen be allowed one
week's holiday per year without deduction of pay, seeing
that they do not enjoy the privilege of the ordinary
holidays."
The following are the resolutions relating to holidays as
recorded on the minutes : —
Committee Meeting, Monday, January 5th, 1884. — That the
butchers in our Branch Stores have their half-hohday on Monday
afternoons instead of on Wednesday afternoons, to enable them to
assist in slaughter-house.
Committee Meeting, Monday, May 19th, 1884. — That our estab-
lishments be closed on Whit Friday and Saturday, and remain open
on the previous Wednesday until 7-30 p.m., and the previous
Thursday until 10 p.m.
Committee Meeting, Monday, June i6th, 1890. — That we recom-
mend the Quarterly Meeting to grant two additional days' hoUday
during the year to the heads of the Grocery and Provision Depart-
ments, and one additional day to all the other employes.
Co-operative Society Limited. 387
Committee Meeting, Monday, July 14th, 1890. — That we recom-
mend the Quarterly Meeting to grant all the employes at present
receiving two days' paid holidays during the summer four days in
future.
Quarterly Meeting, Monday, August 4th, 1890. — That we grant
to all employes at present receiving two days' paid holidays during
the summer four days in future.
Committee Meeting, Monday, August nth, 1890. — That a list of
employes asking for holidays be submitted to the Committee of
Management every Monday evening.
Adjourned Committee Meeting, Tuesday, August 12th, i8go. —
That aE the establishments of this Society be closed the whole
of Wednesday, the 20th inst., this being the Annual Tradesmen's
Holiday.
As the result of an agitation among the employes the
following resolution was passed at the Committee Meeting
held AprU 30th, 1894 : " That we accede to the request of
our employes to extend the time allowed for summer holi-
days from four to six days." This privilege was really only
asked for by the shopmen, the youths to still remain on the
old footing, but it was given to all.
In addition to the ordinary summer holidays, on March
23rd, 1908, the following holidays were granted extra
annually : —
No. ot
Days
New Year's Day i
Easter Holidays (Good Friday, and from one o'clock Easter
Monday) ij
Bolton Summer Holidays —
Saturday, from one o'clock \
Monday, all day
Tuesday, all day ^ 3
Wednesday, 12 noon
Thursday, 12 noon j
Remain open Saturday to 9 p.m.
September Holidays — Monday, all day i
Christmas Day i
74
388 History of the Great and Little Bolton
CHAPTER XLVI.
RISE AND GROWTH OF THE RESERVE
AND INSURANCE FUND.
" One good reserve fund is worth twenty large dividends.
Reserves mean strength."
Need for the Fund — How started — First Loss— Dividend
Reserve Fund started — Insurance Fund started — Its
Functions.
CO secure confidence in any business undertaking it is
absolutely essential that it should be weU prepared
for any emergency that may arise by the provision
of a reserve fund. This, it is well understood, should always
be proportionate to the risks involved. Many members do
not always see that provision ought to be made in periods
of prosperity for times of stress and trouble. That such
times do come in the ordinary run of business in connection
with commercial undertakings history shows.
The Reserve Fund was created after only one year's
working, £i6 being allocated for that purpose in the
December quarter, i860, and this at a time when only 6d.
in the £ was paid as dividend on members' purchases. From
this time the balances of profit left after paying the multiples
of id. in the £ have been handed over to this fund. In this
manner the Reserve Fund was gradually built up. It is
referred to for the first time in the eighth report, which was
issued on December 23rd, 1861, and reads as follows : —
To meet probable contingencies, a fund, called a guarantee fund,
has been established, which already amounts to £^i. gs. 5d. ; the
object of which is to ensure the safety of members' investments.
The friends of Co-operation will here recognise an advantage which
did not exist at the establishment of the Society, and it is not
unreasonably presumed that the dissemination of the fact will impart
a confidence in the Society in the breasts of many who have
previously been labouring under distrust or doubt.
Co-operative Society Limited. 389
Profits on non-members' purchases were also added to the
Reserve Fund in September, 1866. For a number of years
this fund grew very slowly indeed, but in the '70's it began
to rise more rapidly, until the first serious loss was sustained
by the Society by the liquidation of the United Co-operative
Coal Mining Society. Our shares in that Society, amounting
to £600, being then worthless, that amount was taken from
the Reserve Fund, and these shares wiped out altogether.
This left a balance to the credit of the Reserve Fund of
£1,966.
In conjunction with the Wholesale, this Society
attempted to work the Bugle Horn Colliery, but it was a
failure, and eventually wiped out the Reserve Fund almost
entirely in 1879. In spite of the loss sustained by the
coUiery a fresh start was made along the same lines as
previously followed, and the growth has been very steady
since, as a reference to the tables will show.
A Dividend Reserve Fund was created in December, 1875,
by the allocation of ;f 144 to that purpose. This fund now
stands at a very respectable figure in the balance sheet, and
represents a useful asset in many ways.
In March, 1889, the Insurance Fund was started by the
allotment of £200 for that purpose. This fund has grown
enormously, and stands at a very big figure in the balance
sheet now. The continued growth of this account gave the
Committee confidence to insure many of the Society's shops
and cottages in this way, and also to undertake a part of
the fidelity insurance of the Society. At the present time
a fair proportion of the properties in various parts of the
borough are fully covered by insurance, and the premiums
paid to our own fund, which, at the time of writing, stands
at the respectable figure of £12,288.
Since the passing of the last Compensation Act, by which
compensation became compulsory on aU employers of
labour, the Committee decided that, instead of insuring
our employes through an insurance society, our own fund
should be credited with the premiums which are considered
equal to the risks entailed. From the profits for the half
year ending June, 1907, £100 was placed to this fund as a
39° History of the Great and, Little Bolton
nucleus, and a resolution passed that £100 should be taken
from the profits annually and added to this fund to cover
the risks under the Employers' Liability Act. It may be
well to say that we do not charge this fund with any pay-
ments which may become due for minor accidents, the
compensation paid under this heading having been so far
charged to current expenses.
Co-operative Society Limited. 391
CHAPTER XLVII.
RISE AND GROWTH OF OUR BUILDING
DEPARTMENT.
"As owner of his own house, the proprietor can be the arbiter of his
own developments."
Its status — How Mortgages are repaid, — Advantages of Scheme
— Rate of Interest charged — Start of Department — Solicitors
appointed — House Purchase Scheme arranged — Buying
Property — Power to Purchase Land acquired — Houses
erected — Rules amended — Property in course of erection
— Growth in popularity — Protecting tenants — Rate of
Interest reduced — Management expenses.
CHE chief building society in our midst is undoubtedly
that in connection with the Co-operative Society of
Bolton, which lends borrowers up to 90 per cent
of the ascertained value of property mortgaged, borrowers
having the option of paying back the principal and interest
(fixed at 4 per cent) at the rate of id. per month for every £x
borrowed, thus allowing a period of twenty years to pay off
the mortgage. Experience, however, shows that the
twenty years period — and that is ten years shorter than in
the Government Bill — is seldom taken advantage of, and in
nineteen cases out of the twenty the amount of the
mortgage is paid off in a quarter of that time — five years.
Borrowers are taught the advantages of thrift, and are
naturally anxious to get rid of the incubus of the mortgage.
The repayments by the borrowers are so arranged that
they can be made at the rate of 8s. 4d. per £100 of the
amount borrowed, or they may be increased in amount at
any time, and the whole advance paid off within the two
decades which, as we have said, is not reached by one in
twenty. Matters are made as easy as possible for the
borrower.
392 History of the Great and Little Bolton
The advantages of the system adopted by the Society
may bo thus summed up : The apphcant can ascertain at a
small cost what amount he can borrow from the Society on
any particular property. The advances are prompt and
certain, providing the property is eligible, and are not
dependent on any chance system. The interest charged
is at a definite rate, and is fair to all, no person having an
advantage over others through chancing to be the successful
drawer at a ballot. The interest is reduced every quarter,
thus making the payments easy.
As an evidence of the popularity of this system of
building society we may state that money has been lent on
mortgage to the Society to no fewer than 5,630 members,
and of these no fewer than 3,182 have paid off their mort-
gages. The total advances have amounted to £1,397,164,
and the total repayments to £992,171; and there is at
present owing to the Society £404,993. 3s. 8Jd.
That this Society is enabling the thoughtful artisan
class to live in their own homes, paying for them ultimately
with money a trifle exceeding the amount they would
otherwise pay in rent, is acknowledged on all hands. A
spirit of helpful thrift is inspired among the people ; vicious
and expensive indulgences are, at any rate, curbed ; and the
working man is assisted to place himself, so far as rent at
least is concerned, in a position of comparative independence.
The starting of the Building Department was heralded
by a recommendation from the Committee of Management,
made on April 3rd, 1868, to be laid before the next
Quarterly Meeting, asking for permission to invest £3,000
of the surplus capital of the Society in the purchasing of
suitable cottage property.
At the General Quarterly Meeting held on July 6th,
1868, the recommendation of the Committee to invest
money in a Building Department was confirmed by the
following resolution : —
That the Committee of Management be empowered to invest
;f3,ooo, and in no case to exceed the sum of ^^3,200, in the purchase
of suitable leasehold cottage or other property, and that such pro-
perty be in the name of this Society, and further that all interest
arising therefrom be carried to the profit and loss account of the
Society, to be inserted in each quarter's balance sheet.
Co-operative Society Limited. 393
At the Committee Meeting on Monday, September 21st,
1868, it was resolved that Messrs. Briggs and Bailey,
Solicitors, see to the arranging and conveyancing of the
property purchased for and on behalf of this Society. A
further step forward was made on September 25th by the
formation of a Sub-Committee for the purpose of framing
rules and conditions whereby a member might become the
purchaser of his own house. They drew up a scheme which
was submitted to the Committee, and finally adopted at
the Quarterly Meeting held on October 12th, 1868.
A further important recommendation adopted was by
commencing to sell cottage houses to members " who were
desirous to purchase from the lot which already is or might
be purchased," and also the lending of money to assist
members who might wish to buy a house of their own
selection, the amount advanced to such member to be
repaid by monthly instalments of not less than los. per £100
of the amount advanced. The rate of interest in both cases
to be charged at the rate of 6J per cent per annum on the
balance due at the end of each quarter, and the borrower
in all cases to pay all expenses incurred in surveying
property offered as security, the cost of all deeds and
conveyances and mortgage deeds, the advances to be not
more than five-sixths of the value of the property either
sold by this Society or offered to this Society as security
after all the afore-mentioned expenses shall have been
paid.
The first purchase of the Building Committee was
eighteen houses situated in Hibbert Street, for the sum of
£1.655-
A further recommendation was made on October 19th,
1868, relating to the desirability of purchasing land for and
on account of this Society, subject to the decision of the
Committee's judgment on any land which might be offered
for sale as to price and position.
At the Special General Meeting held on Monday, October
26th, 1868, the powers sought for were granted in the
following resolution passed then : " That the Committee
have power as far as they see advisable to invest the surplus
capital in the purchasing or leasing of lands either for
394 History of the Great and Little Bolton
letting or building upon, or for the further purchasing of
property."
Moncrieffe Street next received attention from the
Building Committee, and property was purchased there.
Building and building questions bulked largely in 1868-9,
and the scheme as first propounded differed in many
essentials from the scheme in vogue to-day. The Society
not only bought houses and rented or sold them to members
as required, but they also bought land and erected buildings
thereon according to the plans they themselves fixed upon
as suitable at the time.
In March, 1869, land was bought in Brownlow Fold at
2d. and 3d. per yard, and the tender of Messrs. Cunliffe
and Freeman (Architects) for the preparation of plans and
specifications, &c., for the property proposed to be erected
at Brownlow Fold was accepted for twenty houses.
The plans for the houses and Branch Stores at Brownlow
Fold were adopted on April 7th, 1869. Specifications for
the extension of the Central premises in Bow Street were
also accepted at the same time.
Fifty slips of the Proposed Rules for the Building Scheme
were ordered to be printed on April 26th, 1869, after
resolutions had been previously passed for their adoption
at the Members' Meeting, and a vote of thanks given to the
Secretary of the Prestwich Society for his great kindness
in furnishing two copies of the rules for their building
scheme and the particulars supplied respecting the same.
It being necessary to amend Rules i and 26 of the General
Rules by the formation of the buUding scheme, a Special
General Meeting was called for this purpose on May 3rd,
1869, and the alterations adopted. The Proposed Rules
for the Building Department were also accepted at the same
meeting, and forwarded for registration the next day.
Mr. Joseph Marsden (buUder, Bolton) was accorded the
contract for the erection of twenty houses and Branch
Stores at Brownlow Fold. A Survey Committee was
appointed, and their duty was set forth as being to survey
any property which might be offered to the Society.
Many transactions were recorded of the sale of houses to
members by the Society.
Co-operative Society Limited. 395
On July 2nd, 1869, the following resolution was
adopted : —
That we do not advance any money on account of property which
may be in course of erection, neither entertain any application for
the purchase of such property which may be offered to this Society
from time to time, until such property be completed.
November 15th, 1869. — That, in consequence of the business in
connection with the Building Department having assumed such
dimensions that it interferes materially with the general business of
the Society, the Committee do hereby determine that the business
of the Building Department shall be transacted on each and every
Thursday, commencing at eight o'clock in the evening, and that a
notification to the above effect be inserted in our next quarterly
balance sheet.
December 23rd, 1869. — That this Committee do not entertain
any applications on the part of those members who have purchased,
or on the part of those who may purchase in future, cottage property
from this Society, for the making good any defect in the property
so sold after the sale of such property is completed, nor will they
in any way hold themselves responsible for the cost of making good
any defect after a bona fide sale shall have been concluded.
The resolution of December 9th, 1869, determining on
the purchase of the DaubhiU Stores was confirmed on
December 23rd and ordered to be carried into effect.
By the end of the year 1869 the surplus capital of the
Society was all absorbed by the Building Department, and
at the first meeting held in the year 1870 it was found
necessary to recommend the desirability of at once dis-
continuing the further purchases of or building any property
until such times as the condition of the surplus capital
should warrant the advisability of doing so.
As landlords the Society had many troubles and trials
to put up with, and in order to allay a suspicion it was found
necessary to pass the following resolution : —
That in consequence of a rumour having got extensively circu-
lated to the effect that parties choosing to become tenants of the
Brownlow Fold property would be subject to be removed imme-
diately the houses should be sold to any of our members, and this
Committee having received ample proof that such rumour has acted
upon the minds of some intending tenants so as to prevent them
occupying them, we hereby determine that all intending tenants
be guaranteed a two years' tenancy from the date hereof if the
tenant should so desire it, it being understood that the foregoing
396 History of the Great and Little Bolton
resolution does not preclude any member from purchasing, but that
those choosing to purchase do so under the conditions of the
afore-mentioned resolution.
In the inspection of buildings with a view to purchase or
allot same on mortgage to members a small Sub-Committee
of two persons was usually appointed to visit and inquire
about the same and obtain the idea of value and report on
their inspection at the next Committee meeting.
The Building Department business being a growing one,
it was decided on October 14th, 1870, that a minute book
be provided to be used for building purposes only.
After the building scheme had been in operation for a
year or two it was found that the rate of interest was too
high, and the scheme itself not quite as advantageous as it
might be ; therefore, on October ist, 1871, a resolution was
moved : —
That we recommend to the Monthly Meeting the desirabiUty of
appointing a Sub-Committee to revise the Building Rules, so as to
reduce the interest chargeable to 5 per cent instead of 6J as at
present, and the principal to be reduced annually instead of quarterly
as under the present rule.
This recommendation was adopted at the Monthly
Meeting held on December 4th, 1871, and further confirmed,
and the rules definitely altered and amended, at a Special
General Meeting of members held on December i8th, 1871.
In view of the adoption of the amended scheme, and its
effect on this department's working, it became necessary to
consider the position a little ; accordingly, instructions
were given —
That our cashier prepare a list of the cost of the various lots of
cottage property belonging to this Society, and also the ground rents
of the same, and lay it before this Committee as soon as possible.
(August ist, 1872.)
On March 17th, 1876, it was decided to erect three houses
in Tonge Moor Road, and specifications were obtained for
the work, and, when these were considered, they were
ordered to be built by contractors for the different sections
of the work, whose tenders were accepted, viz., joiner's
work, brickwork, masonry, and plumbing and glazing.
On July 27th it was decided that fifteen new houses
should be built on Tongc Moor according to the specification
Co-operative Society Limited. 397
received. These were also built by contract, different
contractors tendering for their special branches of work.
On October 23rd, 1876, the following important
resolution was passed : —
That the recommendation of the Finance Sub-Committee, namely,
that in future interest on capital lent on security of buildings be
reduced quarterly instead of annually as at present, be adopted.
A rather important decision was arrived at on March 17th,
1879, which affected the Building Department management
expenses. This was recorded in the following minute : —
That a Special General Meeting of the Society, to be held imme-
diately after the close of the next Quarterly Meeting, be called for the
purpose of considering and deciding upon a recommendation of
the Committee that No. 6 of the Special Land and Building and
Mortgage Rules be so amended as to abolish the charge made for
the expenses of management of the Building Department ; that the
provisions contained in our Land and Building and Mortgage Rules,
whereby the Committee is empowered to build houses for members
under agreements for lease or purchase, or under mortgage to the
Society, be put into practice forthwith ; that we have a quantity of
mortgage deeds prepared, lithographed from a draft to be settled by
E. V. Neale, Esq., bartister-at-law, of the forms provided in our
rules, so as to save a large portion of the charge now made for the
special preparation of each mortgage deed by our solicitors.
A Special Cottage Building Sub-Committee was also
appointed, which consisted of three members of the Com-
mittee of Management. Messrs. Taylor, Williams, and
Ryley were the first Committee.
At the Special General Meeting wh'ch was held on April
27th, 1879, ths following resolution was passed : —
That No. 6 of the Special Land and Building and Mortgage Rules
of the Society be amended by striking out after the word " year "
in the fourth line the words " with a charge of is. for every ^50, or
fractional part thereof, owing to the Society for the expenses of
management."
The Educational Committee were empowered to publish
a pamphlet on the Building Department of this Society.
398 History of the Great and Little Bolton
CHAPTER XL VIII.
SOLVING THE HOUSING PROBLEM.
" Why should we not frankly say : The housing question is our
question ; healthy conditions in workshops and factories are our
concern ; a living wage, reasonable hours of labour, provision of
work for the unemployed, harmonious relations between landlord
and tenant, between capital and labour, between master and
employe, are our interest ? "
'■' These things touch us because they touch Christ."
— R. F. Horion.
Early Operations — Money Advanced in 1908 — Becoming
Property Owners — Its Reforming Influence — Weighing
the Chances of Success — Improving the Housing Conditions
— Better Houses Built — Instalment Plan — Effect on
Builders.
IN addition to progress made as shown in the statistical
statements, other departments have helped in one way
or another to increase the magnitude of the Society's
operations, and none more so than the Cottage Building
Department. True, not many houses have been built by
the Society ; but, on the other hand, members have had the
opportunity of selecting, first, the district in which they
would like to purchase property, and, secondly, the style of
the houses their tastes desired.
This department first commenced its operations in the
year 1868, lending in that year the sum of £120, whUst
during the year 1908 no less a sum than £93,080. 3s. gd. was
lent upon approved mortgage securities at the rate of 4 per
cent per annum interest.
Thus, from 1868 to 1908 we have advanced to 5,161 of
our members the sum of £1,385,000, who have repaid during
the same period £985,000, leaving a balance due to the
Society of £400,000.
Co-operative Society Limited. 399
It is surprising what a sense of dignity the possession of
property gives to each individual meniber. No matter how
low he has been in the scale of human progress, the acquisi-
tion of a right to own a few bricks and mortar in the form of
his own dwelling-house seems to give him an air of one who
feels that at least he has got a footing in his native land.
He owns something, and, therefore, has proprietary rights
therein. Early Co-operators were not satisfied with having
solved the problem of how to feed and clothe themselves ;
they wanted something of a more practical character, and
the question of how to obtain better houses for themselves
at a reasonable cost, and under easy conditions, presented
one of those outlets for surplus energy which could not
fail to appeal to all who were in the least desirous of bettering'
the living conditions of their fellows.
The grandest reforms for the people must always spring
from the actions of the people, and can be effected only by
continued efforts and resolute determination on their part.
The great power which seems yet destined to effect the social
emancipation of the working classes is the power of Co-
operation, a power in which they generally recognise the
means of their social elevation, and the foundation of all
true progress ; for complete civilisation is, in fact, only the
result of complete co-operation — co-operation based on
sound and morsil principles, and guided by pure and lofty
intelligence. The most serious danger to the future pros-
pects of mankind lies in the unbalanced influence of the
commercial spirit, against whose exclusive tendencies
better-hearted politicians should look upon it as their most '
pressing duty to protect and strengthen whatever is good
in the heart of a man, or in his outward life forms a salutary
check, till we have opposed to it not only individual
testimonies in all the forms of genius from those whose
privilege it is to speak at all times, but a national education,
which, without overlooking any other of the requirements
of human well-being, would be adapted to this purpose in
particular.
Fortunately, our pioneers were not easily daunted, and
they not only had the courage to weigh the chances of
success, but they also considered the chances of failure with
400 History of the Great and Little Bolton
deliberate impartiality by at iirst proposing that only £3,000
should be allocated to this object.
It was quite as evident then, as it also is to-day, that too
many owners of cottage property were interested in keeping
up the monopoly which they had enjoyed, and it is greatly
to the credit of the originators of our great Building Depart-
ment that they were able to recognise that any material
improvement of the housing conditions of the people must
come from themselves, and that it was by self-help, and in
the encouragement of self-help alone, that their greatest
achievements would be accomplished. It was early
recognised that no houses gave such a return on capital as
those tenanted by the industrious working classes, and it
was also recognised that the Co-operative Society, in
changing and improving the environment of its members,
would be rendering untold benefits to the community.
Even to-day the condition of many working-class houses
leaves much to be desired, and there can be little doubt that
in their condition lies one of the fundamental causes of half
the moral problems that now confront all reformers' efforts.
The cottages that were buUt by the Society in its early
efforts were in every case superior to the general standard
of workmen's dwellings then built. Every attention was
paid to the sanitary requirements, and the houses were made
as lofty and roomy as possible. It was not long, however,
before it began to be recognised that the actual building of
the property itself could safely be left in the hands of the
builders themselves, once the standard had been raised, and
now the department has developed from a House Building
Department into a House Purchase and Mortgage
Department.
As soon as satisfactory terms were arranged to suit all
parties, and the rules allowed, arrangements were entered
into by the members to purchase their houses on the
instalment principle, either the house they lived in, or other
property, just as they might desire, and in this way hundreds
of the working men of Bolton have become owners of cottage
property. It is well for the stability of the nation that it
should have its workers housed and settled under fixed and
stable conditions.
Co-operative Society Limited:
•401
One effect it has had upon the building trade, and that is,
that builders are now anxious to build houses to suit the
requirements of intending purchasers, and where formerly
houses were put up for letting purposes and for the invest-
ment of surplus funds, now the builders don't want to let
the houses, but to put them up for sale. The' result is that
fully one-quarter of the new residential house property of
Bolton is mortgaged to the Bolton Co-operative Society,
and its members, by their individual efforts, are practically
solving the housing problem to their own satisfaction.
402
History of the Great and Little Bolton
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404 History of the Great and Little Bolton
THE SOCIETY'S PROGRESS DURING FOUR
DECADES.
Number of Members .
Amount of Share Capital . . .
Cash Withdrawn by Mem-
bers, including Interest
and Dividend
Interest on Shares, &c., per
annum
Members' Dividend per annum
Own Insurance Fund
Reserve Funds
Value of Buildings and Fix- 1
tures. Rolling Stock, and |-
Horses after Depreciations j
Value of Investments
Sales per annum
Educational Grant
Bonus to Employes per annum
Wages of Employes per annum
Value of Stocks
Small Savings Bank —
Contributions
Interest Paid
Number of Contributors . .
Cottage Building Advances)
(Balances) )
iseg.
2403
£
25224
9928
2165
Nil.
570
1071
757
37801
55
Nil.
1144
7630
•185
7
t--
7521
1879.
7823
£
98833
50207
4449
18434
Nil.
1068
40030
19674
157143
550
551
4811
17480
679
17
1750
26816
1889.
13897
£
245255
89349
8967
52845
494
6643
76436
65365
392257
1418
1417
18678
37913
4912
137
7800
80790
1899.
24792
£
539351
183527
15942
89976
6358
9637
1 13202
150027
643447
2461
2461
39613
53855
12398
542
229726
36601
£
737784
301239
24368
131456
13039
22820
156004
218720
917701
3509
Nil.
65717
68464
41395
1174
24000
404993
* Commenced 1875. f Not recorded.
SOCIETY'S PROGRESS FROM NOVEMBER,
1859, TO DECEMBER, 1909.
£
Grand Total of Business done 17,915,915
„ „ Dividend Paid to Members 2,328,533
„ „ Interest Paid to Members 452,909
„ „ Withdrawals by Members, including
Interest and Dividend 5,144,671
Grand Total for Educational Purposes 65,444
,, ,, for Charities 12,439
,, ,, to Employes for Bonus 61,174
„ „ Cottage Building Advances 1,397,164
„ Repayments 992,171
„ „ „ ,, Balance 404,993
Co-operative Society Limited.
405
JaA/oN
4o6 History of the Great and Little Bolton
PROGRESS OF THE SOCIETY.
Table Showing Increase of Sales each Five Years,
917,701
803,169
709,941
569,213
428,529
324,467
179,366
I
70,286
35,907
18,341
11,156
o
oo
o
CO
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X
o
CO
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o
o
o
n
Co-operative Society Limited. 407
MONEY
is required, especially when a full week's holiday is to be
taken advantage of, and, to illustrate one of the many
benefits
TO CO-OPERATORS,
we only need to tell you that the week prior to the Bolton
Holidays money was
GIVEN
away to our members from their accumulations of interest
and dividends to the total amount of £19,135, and to Small
Savings Bank members £3,394. Also, during the first week
for paying our 3s. dividend for the June half year occurring
as it did immediately after the holidays, we paid
AWAY
that week in dividends a further £11,199, or a grand total
AMOUNTING TO
£33,728.
4oS History of the Great and. Little Bolton
Since the Society commenced business it has paid in dividend
the sum of
£2,328,533.
This large amount has been saved to the members by simply
trading at the Co-operative Stores, and has given to all an
increased share of the comforts and luxuries of Ufe. Last
quarter alone there was a sum of £35.064
TO BE DIVIDED
amongst the me mbers, and the amount is increasing quarter
by quarter. Ten years ago the profits for a quarter
amounted to £22,494 ; last quarter they had increased to
£35,064. Our ranks are daily being augmented by numbers
of intelligent men and women, who are learning that
AT THE
Co-operative Stores may be found, in the shape of dividends,
hard cash wherewith to provide against sickness, infirmity,
and old age. This knowledge alone is of immense value to
the . . .
CO-OPERATIVE
purchaser in this age of cheapness, as serious consequences
sometimes result from the use of goods of inferior quality.
Thousands of members of Co-operative
STORES
have found incalculable advantages in time of need by
having a fund to which they could come and draw their
own, and thus successfully pass over a time of difficulty.
Every working man or woman can enjoy the same
advantages by going to the Of&ce,
14 & 16, BOW STREET,
or any of the Branches, and paying 6d. entrance fee, then
by trading at the Stores they will find out the advantages
for themselves.
Co-operative Society Limited. 409
SOME FACTS OF THE SOCIETY.
The Society commenced business August 4th, 1859.
The present number of members is 36,601.
The sales for 1909 amounted to {^(ji^yjoi.
The profits for 1909 amounted to ;f 140, 374.
There are now 105 separate estabhshments.
The Cottage Building Account stands at £404,993
(balance). Total accounts opened, 5,630; accounts now-
open, 2,448.
Our share capital amounts to £737,784.
The business premises of the Society (trade buildings
and fixed stock) stand on the balance sheet after deprecia-
tions at £156,004.
In the SmaU Savings Department we have 24,000
depositors, mostly children, and the amount standing to
their credit is £41,395.
We directly employ 763 persons in the distributive
departments and 246 persons in the productive depart-
ments, and the total wage bill for the year is £65,717.
We have 97 horses fully employed, and 106 vehicles.
We have 80 railway coal wagons on the lines constantly
running between the collieries and the different sidings in
Bolton.
Our Branch shops are in direct communication with the
Central Stores in Bridge Street and Bow Street by telephone.
The whole of our Central premises in Bridge Street and
Bow Street (including new Offices) are lit up with electricity,
the electric installation being our own private property.
The reserve fund amounts to £22,820, and the insurance
fund to £13,039-
The Library contains 20,000 books, and the issues are
over 2,000 per week.
We have over 140 papers on the tables at one time in
our Central Reading-room, Bark Street.
410 History of the Great and Little Bolton
CHAPTER L.
RULES.
" Order is heav'n's first law ; and this confest,
Some are, and must be, greater than the rest,
More rich, more wise ; but who infers from hence
That such are happier, shocks all common sense."
—Pope.
Adoption of First Rules — Their Main Features — Bonds Used
— Notice of Withdrawal Necessary — Provision to Reduce
Shares — Abolition of Trustees — Rule for Reduction of
Fixed Stock Adopted — Nomination Adopted — Education
Fund Started — Seal Decided upon — Its Form and Device —
Alteration of Name of Society — Alteration of Date of
Holding Chief Meetings — Impersonation at Voting Pro-
vided for — Rediiction of Entrance Fee — Disqualification
Rule for Service on Committee.
CO the average member the rules are a bother. They
are too much trouble to read, and when read are
too hard for them to thoroughly understand.
Still, for all that, they are very necessary for the well-being
of the Society, and for the guidance of its members who
wish to take an intelligent interest in its affairs, and who
desire to have a voice in its management.
For historical purposes the first code of rules drawn up
are the most interesting. These were drawn up and sub-
mitted at a meeting called for the purpose at Mr. Thomas
Ashton's beerhouse in Derby Street, " The Half-Way
House," on August ist, 1859, when, according to the printed
copy before me, they were adopted.
Less than fifty persons attended this meeting ; yet
they had great faith, and they registered the title as " The
Great and Little Bolton Equitable Lidustrial Co-operative
Society Limited," and their object was to raise, by the
voluntary subscription of the members, a fund for better
enabling them to purchase food, firing, clothes, and other
Co-operative Society Limited. 411
necessaries, by carrying on in common the trade of general
dealers. It further stated that —
The principal place of business of the Society shall be at s/a^ Derby
Street, Great Bolton, or at such other place as the Committee of Manage-
ment shall from time to time appoint, and at such place all the books
of account, securities, and documents of the Society, other than such
(if any) as are required for carrying on business on account of the same
elsewhere, shall be kept. In case of any alteration in the place of
business notice shall be sent to the Registrar of Friendly Societies
seven days thereafter, signed by three members of the Committee.
The Society shall consist of those persons who originated it,
providing they sign a declaration to abide by these Rules, and of all
other persons than the originators who sign a declaration of their
readiness to take up at least five shares, and pay a deposit of not less
than one shilling, together with one shilling entrance money, and have
been admitted by the Committee of Management, and approved of
by a majority of the members present at an ordinary general
meeting of the Society. A person desirous of j oining the Society shall,
through a member, cause the Secretary or other officer to enter his
name, trade, and residence in a book provided for that purpose,
when, if approved of by the Committee of Management, his name
shall be written on a paper, to be posted up in the meeting-room of
the Society three clear days before the general meeting, at which
meeting such candidate's name shall be read over, and if no objec-
tions be raised by the members he shall be considered a member of
the Society, after he has signed the declaration. Every person, on
his name being entered in the book, must purchase a copy of the
Rules, and pay an entrance fee of one shilling, which shall be appro-
priated to the reduction of fixed stock. A person so proposed and not
admitted to membership shall have his entrance fee returned ; and
if any person proposed and approved of does not sign the declaration
and pay the deposit within two months after his proposition, he shall
forfeit his entrance shilling, and shall not be admitted to membership
unless again proposed.
The Committee of Management shall cause a list of all members,
open to their inspection, to be kept at the chief place of business of
the Society, and shall cause the names of all persons who, under
these Rules, cease to be members to be erased therefrom ; and no
person shall be deemed a member unless or until his name appears
on this list, but any person who claims a right to be entitled to have
his name entered upon such list may refer the question of his right
to be entered thereon to arbitration, under the provisions hereinafter
mentioned. AH notices required to be given or sent to members
shall be deemed duly served by sending or posting the same addressed
to the member at his address inserted in such list. When any
member shall change his residence he shall, within one month there-
after, give notice thereof in writing to the Secretary, who shall, on
receiving such notice, make the requisite alteration in the list.
Anyone neglecting to give such notice shall be fined threepence.
412 History of the Great and Little Bolton
The capital of this Society shall be raised in shares of £\ each,
which shall not be transferable, but the investment of each member
shall accumulate or be employed for the sole benefit of the member,
or of the husband, wife, children, or kindred of such member. Each
member must hold at least five shares, and shall not pay less than
threepence per week, or 3s. 3d. per quarter, until he has made up his
five shares, and on default he shall be fined threepence per quarter,
unless the default is shown to have arisen from sickness, distress, or
want of employment, or any other reason satisfactory to the Com-
mittee of Management, in which case a written statement of the
cause of default shall be sent to the Secretary at the time at which
such payments ought to be made, otherwise the fines shall be in
force. And each member shall receive out of the surplus receipts of
the Society, after providing for the expenses thereof, in each year a
Dividend, after such rate, not exceeding 5 per cent per annum upon
the paid-up amount of his shares, as shall be declared at the Quarterly
Meeting of the Society hereinafter mentioned. Any member may
pay the whole or any part of his subscriptions in advance. No
member shall hold more than fifty shares in the capital of this
Society, nor shall any member or person claiming by, through, or in
trust for any member, be entitled to any share or interest in the
proceeds of this Society exceeding in amount £$0, exclusive of any
annuity, nor by way of annuity, to any interest in the funds exceed-
ing ;£30 per annum.
A form of bond was drawn up to enable the Committee
to obtain money by way of loan on the security of such
bonds at 6 per cent interest, providing they were signed by
at least three members, and countersigned by the Secretary
for the time being, such sum or sums of money as any
special general meeting of the members sanctioned, not to
exceed four times the amount of the paid-up subscriptions
of the members for the time being.
Withdrawals could only be made by giving notice
thereof, such notice for small amounts being two weeks,
and for large, ^^45 to £50, thirteen weeks. A provision was
also made for the reduction of shares : —
That should the Committee of Management have more cash in
hand than they can profitably invest, they shall have power to
reduce the number of shares held by members, the highest being
first purchased down. Members may allow their surplus cash to
remain in the funds of the Society after the time of notice has expired,
but shall not receive interest thereon.
At the first meeting of the Society after these Rules are certified
by the Registrar there shall be elected, by a majority of the members
then present, eight persons as a Committee of Management, three
Trustees President, Treasurer, Secretary, two Auditors, and five
Arbitrators (the persons elected as Arbitrators not being directly or
Co-operative Society Limited. 413
indirectly interested in the funds of the Society), and afterwards shall
be elected (unless previously removed by a resolution of the majority
of members present at any meeting called for that purpose), the Presi-
dent, Treasurer, Secretary, Trustees, and Arbitrators at the General
Annual Meeting ; and the Committee at the Annual General Meeting
and the meeting held in June in each year, four of whom shall go out
of office at once and in rotation ; in failure thereof the officers last
appointed shall continue to hold office ; and if any of such officers
or any Trustee dies or is removed previous to such meeting the
Committee shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy. No person to
be eligible for a Trustee, or to be on the Committee, who has not been
a member of the Society six months, or eligible for President who
has not been either a Trustee or on the Committee. The officers of
the Society shall receive such remuneration for their services as shall
be agreed upon at any General Annual Meeting. Every person
appointed to any office touching the receipt, management, or
expenditure of money for the purposes of the Society shall, before
entering upon the duties of his office, give such security, pursuant to
the statutes relating to Friendly Societies, as is deemed sufficient by
the Committee of Management.
The General Meetings of the members shall be held on the first
Monday in each month, for the purpose of explaining the principles
and laws of the Society, for discussing its affairs, and suggesting
improvements and alterations for the guidance of the Committee of
Management, and the approval of candidates desirous of becoming
members of the Society.
The net proceeds of all businesses, other than the wholesale
business hereinafter mentioned, carried on by the said Society, after
paying or providing for interest on loans, the proper reduction in
value of fixed stock, and for such dividends upon the subscribed
capital thereof as aforesaid, shall from time to time be applied by
direction of the ordinary Quarterly Meetings thereof, either to
increase the capital or business of the Society, or to any provident
purpose authorised by the laws in force in respect to Friendly
Societies, and the remainder, less 2J per cent, shall be divided among
the members of the Society in proportion to the amount of their
purchases at the Stores during the quarter. The profits on goads
supplied to non-members shall be appropriated to the reduction of
fixed stock. .
Any member who has paid up all his subscriptions may with-
draw from the -Society on giving one calendar month's notice in
writing to the Secretary of his intention ; and any member may
withdraw without paying up all his subscriptions with the consent
of the Committee. Upon the withdrawal of any member he shall
receive payment of the balance then standing to his credit in the
books of the Society, with all arrears of dividends and profits, if any,
within six months after such withdrawal. Any member having
participated in the profits shall, in case of withdrawal, forfeit
such sum {not exceeding two shiUings) as the Committee may think
proper. Such forfeits to go to the funds of the Society.
414 History of the Great and Little Bolton
If a majority of the members present at any Special or General
meeting are dissatisfied with the conduct of any member, they shall
have the power of expelling such member from the Society. The
member so expelled shall be entitled to receive the same amount in
the funds of the Society as if he had withdrawn, after deducting
therefrom any fines or other moneys owing to the Society by the
offending member. The offending member shall have six days'
notice in writing from the Secretary informing him of such meeting
and the charge brought against him. Expelled members shall not
be allowed again to join the Society until the expiration of one year
from the date of such expulsion.
All moneys received on account of contributions, donations,
admissions, or otherwise, shall be paid to an account to be opened
with some bank selected by the Committee in the name of the Society,
unless the finances of the Society are too small to allow such account
being kept, in which case they shall remain in the hands of the
Treasurer, and all such moneys shall be applied towards carrying
out the objects of the Society according to the Rules thereof, and so
much of the funds as are not required for immediate use, or to meet
the usual accruing liabilities under the provision aforesaid, shall,
with the consent of the Committee, be invested by the Trustees, on
such securities as the Committee from time to time directs, and shall
from time to time, by the direction of the said Committee, be sold out,
and the proceeds thereof applied to the engagements of the Society.
No payment exceeding £2 shall at any time be made except in
virtue of an order of the Committee, signed by three of the Committee,
and countersigned by the Secretary ; payments under £2 may be
made out of the petty cash by the Treasurer on his own authority.
The business of the Society shall be conducted for ready money only.
Every member shall pay such sum per quarter as may be
required towards defraying the necessary expenses of management,
and a separate account shall be kept of such contributions and
expenses, and shall be audited in the same way as the other accounts
of the Society.
These rules are signed by John Morton, Robert Crook,
and Joseph Bridge, members ; John Bridge, Secretary ;
and they are certified as being in conformity with law by
John Tidd Pratt, Registrar of Friendly Societies in England,
August i8th, 1859. In glancing through these old rules
one marvels at their completeness, and the fulness of detail
contained therein for a young Society born in the midst of
hard times, and among unlearned and ignorant men brought
up on hard fare and poor conditions generally compared
with our present-day luxuries. It is not necessary to give
every rule formulated ; only the most important sections
are gleaned in order to form a basis of comparison with
those existing to-day.
Co-operative Society Limited. 415
After three years a second edition of rules was printed,
600 copies being purchased. The Office was then at 5,
Acresfield. These revised rules were adopted at a Special
General Meeting of the members held on December 2gth,
1862. They contain several important changes, the first one
being the abolition of the Trustees. Working under the
scheme of trusteeship as outlined in the first scheme of
rules drafted had proved unsatisfactory, and they were
abolished. Loans at 6 per cent were still taken. Members
being in distress might withdraw any sum in the funds of
the Society above three shillings at the discretion of the
Committee of Management. In the first rules the amount
was placed at {2, which had to be left with the Society,
and the reduction to three shillings was to give the member
greater freedom.
One important addition in the 1862 rules is the following :
That no servant of this Society shall serve any office in the Com-
mittee of Management, or be an Auditor, on any account whatever.
Also a definite rule for the reduction of fixed stock was
introduced as follows : —
The fixed stock shall be reduced in the following manner : a
deduction after the rate of 10 per cent per annum shall be taken
quarterly from the then value of such fixed stock, and also all moneys
received for admission or withdrawal.
Nomination by members was adopted, the member
having to pay threepence to the management fund for each
nomination or revocation he might make of his intentions
for the transfer of his interest at death. This was done at
the beginning, but was not set specially forth as in the
second lot of rules.
The really interesting and most important feature of
these second rules is the adoption and creating of the
education fund, as follows : —
That a separate and distinct account shall be kept of the allow-
ance for educational purposes, which shall be under the management
of a special Committee of five members, three of whom shall be
appointed at the Quarterly Meeting in April, and two at the October
meeting, and retire alternately. The Educational Committee shall
be held responsible to the Quarterly Meetings of the Society for the
proper disposal of the fund placed under their care, and shall not be
allowed to vote away any portion thereof to be spent or disposed of
by any other party.
4i6 History of the Great and Little Bolton
These were signed by Thomas Kay, John Hollas, James
Cassady, John Tunstall, William Jones, Henry Gerrey, and
John Bramwell, as members ; and William Crankshaw, as
Secretary.
The next revision of rules appears to have been made
on Monday, June 8th, 1868, when a number of alterations
and additions were made. These may be briefly summarised
as : Power to purchase, erect, sell, and convey, or to hold
land and buildings given ; arbitrators abolished ; fifty
members necessary to convene a special general meeting
instead of twenty as in the previous rules ; depreciation
provisions altered to 2J per cent per annum from the value
of all buildings, and 5 per cent per annum for the reduction
of fixed stock. Two new rules were inserted : —
The Society shall have its name engraven in legible characters
on a seal, and shall have its name mentioned in legible characters in
all notices, advertisements, and other official pubUcations, and in all
bills of exchange, promissory notes, endorsements, cheques, and
orders for money or goods purporting to be signed by or on behalf of
this Society, and in all bills- of parcels, invoices, receipts, and letters
of credit.
The seal shall have for a device as follows : — " A pair of scales,
equally balanced on a beehive, with bees around it," and it shall be
in the custody of the Secretary, and it shall be used only when
directed by a resolution of the Committee of Management, a minute
of which resolution shall be duly recorded by the Secretary.
A few minor alterations in the wording of the rules were
made at the Monday meeting, April 19th, 1875.
These were signed by John Tunstall, Henry Gerrey,
Thomas Walsh, Freeman Boardman, Edward Dillon,
William Johnson, John Howarth, members ; and Sydney
Jackson, Secretary.
On January gth, 1882, a special resolution was passed :
" That the name of the Society be altered." This was
confirmed at a subsequent General Meeting, of which notice
was duly given, held on January 23rd, 1882, and the
application forwarded for registration on the 24th instant,
signed by Thomas Hargreaves as the Chairman of both
meetings, and Alfred Hackney as Secretary. It was returned
marked as registered on February nth, 1882. The name
first registered was : " Great and Little Bolton Equitable
Industrial Co-operative Society." The proposition : " That
Co-operative Society Limited. 417
the name of the Society be changed to ' The Great and Little
Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.'"
The new rules also issued at this time contain a remark
that " No payment of withdrawable capital shall be made
while any claim due on account of any deposit is unsatisfied."
In the partial amendment of rules of May 17th, 1888,
several important features appear. First, the months in
which the Quarterly Meetings were held were altered from
January, April, July, and October to February, May,
August, and November. An addition to Rule 30 was made
to the effect that —
No member of the Committee having served three terms or years
in succession shall be eligible for election till he has been off the
Committee twelve months.
This document is signed by Arthur Holt, John Armitt,
Joseph Ambrose Holtham, members of the Society ; Alfred
Hackney, Secretary of the Society.
A similar provision relating to the election of members
for service on the Educational Committee, and regulating
their period of service in the same fashion, was registered
on October 5th, 1893.
A complete amendment of the rules was registered on
November 29th, 1894. This is signed by William Lander,
Richard G. Crowshaw, Samuel Fairbrother, three members
of the Society ; Joseph Pomfret, Secretary.
A partial amendment of rules relating to the holding of
meetings and the payment of dividends was registered on
June 6th, 1898. The chief features contained therein
are : —
The meetings held on the first Monday in February and August
shall be Half-yearly Meetings, and the meetings held on the first
Monday in May and November shall be Quarterly Meetings of the
Society ; the other General Meetings shall be Monthly Meetings of
the Society.
The profits apportioned for the March and September quarters
shall be paid as an interim dividend, at a rate not exceeding the
dividend paid for the previous half hear.
This is the first type-written document that is registered,
and it was signed by John Bentley, William Arthur Hilton,
John Hodge, members of the Society ; Joseph Pomfret,
Secretary.
00
4i8 History of the Great and Little Bolton
A further partial amendment of rules was registered on
September i6th, 1899. The chief provisions of this are : —
No "ballot paper shall be issued to any member except on produc-
tion of his or her share book. Any person found to have impersonated
any other person, or to have influenced any other person to imper-
sonate, shall be liable to expulsion from the Society. Any member
having a charge to make against any person having infringed Rules
20 bir 27B shall state his case in writing to the Secretary within four-
teen days after the declaration of election, and shall at the same time
forward a deposit of ten shillings, which shall be forfeited in case the
charge is not proved. The charge shall be dealt with at a Special
GJeileral Meeting duly called, to be held immediately after the next
Monthly Meeting.
Any person seeking election on the Committee of Management
or on the Educational Committee found to have been soliciting votes
by the circulation of canvassing matter, or to have induced other
persons to solicit votes for him in that manner (either before or after
nomination), or to have canvassed the servants of the Society, or to
have been canvassing on or about the Society's premises on the day
of election, shall be disqualified, and shall not be again ehgible for
a period of two years.
This document is signed by Robert Howarth, Richard
G. Crowshaw, Henry Hardman Brownlow, members of the
Society ; Joseph Pomfiet, Secretary.
An important alteration of the rules was registered on
January 20th, 1903, which had the effect of reducing the
entrance rfee of one shilling to the small sum of sixpence.
Also that the minutes of the Educational Committee for the
preceding month shall be submitted at each Monthly,
Quarterly, or Half-yearly Meeting. This is signed by
Robert Bell, William Arthur Hilton, John Nuttall, members
of the Society ; Joseph Pomfret, Secretary.
On August nth, igo8, was registered a new rule in place
of Rule 27, as follows : —
(i) No persbn shall be eligible to serve on the Committee of
Management who has not been a member of the Society for three
years ; or as President, who has not been a member of the Committee
of Management or an Auditor twelve months ; or if he or his parent,
brother, sister, son, daughter, herein termed " relative," is employed
by the Society ; or if he holds any other office or place of profit under
the Society ; if he becomes bankrupt, or until he has obtained his
legal discharge ; if he is concerned in or participates in the profits of
any contract with the Society ; or if he carries on the same business
as the Society ; also, to be eligible for General or Educational Com-
mittees, he must either have spent with the Society during the
Co-operative Society Limited. 419
preceding twelve months an average of not less than £6 per quarter,
or have five fully paid-up shares in the Society. But the foregoing
Rules shall be subject to the following exceptions : — That no Com-
mittee-man shall vacate his office by reason of his being a member
of any Company or Society which has entered into contracts with or
done any work for the Society. Nevertheless, he shall not vote in
respect of any such contract or work ; if he does so his vote shall not
be counted. Any person seeking election on the Committee of
Management or on the Educational Committee found to have been
soliciting votes from the servants of the Society, either verbally or
by the circulation of canvassing matter, or to have induced any other
person to solicit votes for him in like manner (either before or after
nomination), shall be disqualified, and shall not be again eUgible for
a period of two years. It shall also disqualify any person for a
similar period if his wife or his son or daughter is found to have been
canvassing, or to have induced any other person to canvass for him,
the servants of the Society.
(2) Any member of the Society found to have issued canvassing
matter on behalf of any candidate, or found canvassing within 100
yards from the entrance of any of the Society's polling stations on
the day of election, shall render himself liable to expulsion from the
Society.
The Committee of Management shall take such steps as will ensure
the effective working of Rules 20 and 27.
This is signed by William Yates, Oswald Rothwell,
William Martindale, members of the Society ; William
Bentley, Secretary of the Society.
The large number of amendments and alterations to
rules made of late years point out the fact that the members
themselves are taking a more intelligent and active interest
in the affairs relating to the government of the Society, and
in aU its dealings.
At the Special General Meeting, Monday, June 21st,
1909, the following resolution was passed : —
That the Rules of the Society as at present printed be rescinded,
and that the same be adopted as New Rules, with the amendments
now and previously adopted embodied therein.
These rules were sent up to the Registrar of Friendly
Societies, signed by William Yates, John Thomas Walkden,
and John NuttaU, as members, and Mr. WiUiam Bentley,
Secretary, and were returned as duly registered on July
14th, 1909. As these are the rules in force now there is no
need to make any remarks respecting them.
420 History of the Great and Little Bolton
CHAPTER LI.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT RULES.
"Let your structures be noble and good."
Start of Department — Its First Rules — Standard of Value
Fixed — Model Rules Finally Adopted — Reduction in
Repayments Sanctioned — Rate of Interest Reduced.
IN 1868 the Building Department commenced, and a
separate code of rules was drawn up, with the following
introduction : —
That this Society is prepared to assist any member to purchase a
house, which may be either one that the Society may have :^or sale,
or one of the member's own selection which may not belong to the
Society, subject to the following conditions : —
(i) The Committee may advance any sum not exceeding five-
sixths of the value of such house, after all expenses attending the pur-
chase and transfer and mortgage deed shall have been paid ; the value
thereof, if it be a house selected by a member, shall be determined by a
Sub-Committee appointed by the Committee, or by any approved
valuer that may be mutually agreed upon. But if it be a house to
be sold by the Society the value of such house shall be determined by
the Committee.
{2) A mortgage shall be required as a security for all money
advanced to any member of the Society ; and such mortgage shall
contain such powers for the Committee for the time being of the
Society to lease, sell, and give receipts to purchasers, and such other
powers and provisions, and shall be in such form as the counsel or
solicitor of the Society shall advise or require. The securities made
and executed to this Society shall contain an absolute power of sale
in default of payment of the monthly subscriptions, fines, interests,
or other payments which ought to be paid by the mortgagor, as
prescribed in Rule 7 (except in the event of the mortgagor becoming
bankrupt or insolvent, in which case possession of the said mortgaged
premises may be taken immediately upon the publication of such
bankruptcy or insolvency). In the event of the powers contained
in any mortgage made to this Society being exercised, the proceeds
arising thereby shall be applied and disposed of as in such mortgage
mentioned.
Co-operative Society Limited. 421
(3) The mortgagor shall repay by monthly instalments of not less
than ten shillings per ;^ioo of the whole amount advanced, in addition
to all interest, ground or chief rent, insurance, repairs, or other charges
that may from time to time arise on such house, until the whole
amount advanced be paid off, at which time the mortgage and title
deeds shall be given to the purchaser, together with a receipt in full
from the Society, bearing the Society's seal, and signed by the Secre-
tary.
(4) The interest charged to mortgagors shall be at the rate of 6\
per cent per annum on the whole amount due at the commencement
of each quarter of a year after the advance has been made, such
interest to become chargeable upon the execution of the mortgage
deed. The mortgagor shall in every case bring his instalments and
all other payments to the office of the Society on the first Monday in
each month, the quarter terminating on the loth day of the months
of March, June, September, and December in each year, at which
time such mortgagor shall produce to the Secretary, for his inspec-
tion, such receipts as may be needed to satisfy him of the due per-
formance of the conditions contained in Rule 3. In default thereof
the Secretary shall acquaint the Committee, who shall make
immediate payment, the amount thereof to be charged to the
mortgagor, who shall in each case be fined 2s. 6d. for his neglect.
(5) All premises mortgaged to this Society shall be annually
insured by the Secretary in the name of the Society alone, or (if so
required) jointly with the parties specified in the deeds. The cost of
such insurance shall be repaid to the Society with the following
monthly instalment by the respective mortgagors. In case of
damage by fire the Committee may make arrangements with the
insurance office to receive the amount payable on account of such
damage, and their receipt shall be a sufficient discharge. The Com-
mittee may, if they deem it advisable, repair the damage sustained,
or retain as much as will liquidate the claims which the Society may
have on the mortgagor by virtue of these Rules, and pay the surplus,
if any, to the mortgagor, or to such other person as he shall, by
writing, direct to receive the same.
(6) That should any mortgagor at any time, from distress or other
causes, be unable to pay his instalments, &c., due to the Society, he
shall acquaint the Secretary, in writing, of his inability to do so, at
which time he may have the privilege of providing a purchaser for
the property which he may hold on mortgage ; but in the event of
such member not being able to find a purchaser the Committee shall
be empowered to purchase the property at such price as may be
agreed upon by a Survey Committee, or by any authorised surveyor
that may be mutually agreed upon ; the mortgagor in such case to
pay all expenses attending the survey and transfer, together with
all fines and instalments due to the Society.
{7) That should any mortgagor neglect to pay all instalments
due to the Society at the end of any quarter, he shall be fined 2S. 6d.
422 History of the Great and Little Bolton
for his neglect, and should he become six months in arrears with his
payments the Committee shall call in the whole amount due from
such mortgagor, and in case it be not paid within twenty-one days
after the mortgagor shall have received notice of such call, the Com-
mittee shall sell the property by auction to the highest bidder, and
pay over to the Treasurer of the Society the whole amount due
thereon, with all fines, and the remainder, if any, after paying all
expenses attending such sale, shall be paid over to the mortgagor.
(8) In construing these Rules words importing the mascuhne
gender shall be taken to apply to a female ; and words importing one
person or thing shall be taken to apply to more than one person or
thing, unless there is anything in the context to prevent such a con-
struction.
The first rules did not survive long, for on May 3rd,
1869, we find them amplified, and over a score of additions
made thereto. A standard of value was fixed in these rules
of £250 sterling, the Committee having the right to take
up land and erect houses thereon for the convenience of its
members, as the first rule well sets forth : —
The Committee of Management may from time to time build or
purchase on account of the Society, or of any members thereof, any
dwelling-house not being of greater value than 1^^250 sterling, and may
purchase or rent on such account any land convenient for the erec-
tion of such houses, and may dispose of any such houses or sites
to any member of the Society, and may execute any building work
by way of repairs, alterations, or otherwise, on account of any such
member.
These second rules were registered on May 25th, i86g,
and were signed by Henry Gerrey, Joseph Walker, James
Rowe, Isaiah Arstall, William Johnson, Edward Dillon,
Freeman Boardman, Thomas Walsh, as members ; Sydney
Jackson, Secretary.
Model Rules were drawn up by the Registrar of Friendly
Societies at the instigation of the Central Co-operative
Board, and were adopted by our Society in conjunction with
others. The Registrar, in the course of his remarks
respecting these, says : —
I have prepared these Rules and forms as instructed, after a care-
ful examination of various sets of existing rules which were forwarded
to me. I find these latter in many instances difficult to construe ;
they would be, I fear, still more so to enforce, and in only one or two
instances have the legal difficulties incident to dealings with land
been in anywise grappled with.
Co-operative Society Limited. 423
This is dated October, 1873. The rules were adopted
on April 19th, 1875. The chief feature is a reduction in the
monthly repayments from ten shillings per £100 per month
to eight shillings and fourpence per calendar month.
On February i6th, 1886, there was registered a very
important alteration of rule, relating more particularly to
the Building Department :^-
That Rule 6 of the Special Land and Building and Mortgage
Rules be amended by striking out of the fourth line the figures and
words " £5 per cent per annum," and substituting the figures and
words " £n\ per cent per annum."
The effect of this was to reduce the interest payable on loans
by one half per cent. To-day the interest charged on loans
is 4 per cent per annum, thus another one half per cent has
been reduced from the amount of interest which was
formerly paid on loans granted frofn this department.
424 History of the Great and Little Bolton
CHAPTER LII.
MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL.
" Waterways may be highways of wealth."
Start of Canal — Investment proposal defeated — Members'
decision adopted — How the Shares were paid for —
Depreciation instituted — Present Value.
WHEN the question of Manchester having a direct
waterway to the sea was raised it found many
enthusiastic supporters in Bolton and district.
Circulars were sent out by the Ship Canal Company in 1887
pressing urgently the claims of the Canal on every hand.
The Committee, feeling that there was very little
hope of obtaining any return from an investment for a
long time to come, recommended the members to invest
;f3,ooo as share capital in the Canal Company. Enthusiasm
reigned at the meeting, and the proposal to take up shares
was carried unanimously. The members present, however,
rejected the Committee's recommendation, and proposed
that £5,000 be invested instead. Before, however, this
could be carried, Mr. William Entwistle (then a member of
the Committee), speaking from the platform, in a glowing
speech urged the grand claims of the Canal on this district,
and, holding forth on the prospects of the Company in the
future, he proposed that the sum to be invested in the
Ship Canal Company should be £10,000. This was seconded,
and in the heat of the moment carried almost unanimously.
The members at this time were not satisfied with having
devoted a large sum of the Society's capital to the taking up
of Ship Canal shares, but they also wanted to take some up
on their own private account, and instructed the Committee
to try and prepare a scheme to enable them to do so.
Co-operative Society Limited. 425
The minutes of the Special General Meeting held on
Wednesday, April 27th, 1887, are as follows : —
The Secretary read the notice convening the meeting for the
purpose of considering the question of taking up shares in the Man-
chester Ship Canal Company, also the report of the Manchester Ship
Canal Bolton Committee. After considerable discussion it was
resolved : " That we take up 1,000 ;£io shares in the Manchester Ship
Canal Company." The Committee were recommended and under-
took to go into the question of the Society becoming agents through
whom the members might take up shares in the Canal Company
individually, and to consider a scheme whereby shares might be
taken up and subscribed by small periodical payments.
The matter was delegated to the Finance Committee for
consideration, and they finally adopted the following
resolution : —
That with regard to the suggestion that a scheme be matured
whereby members may be enabled to make small periodical sub-
scriptions in payment of Manchester Ship Canal shares, we consider
that this may be done through our Savings Bank Department in the
ordinary way, and that there is, therefore, no necessity for any special
system to be arranged.
Looked at in the light of after events this was a very
wise way of dealing with the matter.
What the effect of the investment is to-day we now know.
For a considerable time the Ship Canal Company paid
interest on the capital paid into its coffers, such interest
being paid out of its own capital, and the Bolton Co-opera-
tive Society received back in this way £650. This was taken
off the value of the shares as depreciation, and thus reduced
the amount actually paid for these shares by that sum.
Payments for the shares were made periodically as called
up in sums of £1,000, and the final instalment for the shares
was discharged in September, 1891, making £10,000 in all,
at which time they stood in the balance sheet at £9,000,
less a special depreciation made then of £100, thus leaving
them at the time of the final transaction at £8,900. In
June, 1891, a special depreciation was written off the value
of the shares, which further brought them down to £8,000.
After the time of the payment of the final instalment of,
the purchase money they were depreciated quarterly either
£7:00 or £200 until December, 1892, when, they were again
426 History of the Great and Little Bolton
specially depreciated £550. From that time they have been
steadily depreciated untD. they now stand in the balance
sheet at the low figure of £1,000. At this figure they are
nearer their present market value, but if sold now they
would hardly reaUse that amount.
While this loss is a serious one from a financial point of
view, we as Co-operators are well aware that we have been
somewhat compensated in trade by the opening of this
important waterway. Nothing can be more sure than the
fact that it has had its influence in the fixing of charges of
commodities for transit to Manchester and district, and as a
trade avenue its development has had no mean influence.
It is a very difficult matter to gauge what its future prospects
are. Fortunately there are signs of improvement in some
directions, but it cannot yet be said that things look bright
all round. Anyhow, it is cheering to see some little break
in the clouds. It is hoped that ere long we shall come to
the stage when the shareholders will receive some interest
on their preference and ordinary shares. But the time is
not yet. The greater the support given by the traders to
the Canal, both importers and exporters, the sooner will
come the day when dividends will be declared.
If the Government scheme eventually becomes law
whereby the whole of the canals and waterways in the
country become the property of the Government, these
shares might bring in some money, but even then it is
doubtful whether they wUl at any time return their full
value. We must only hope so.
f^r^^^^=^
Co-operative Society Limited. 427
CHAPTER LIII.
STORY OF THE BUGLE HORN COLLIERY:
AN ATTEMPT AT CO-OPERATIVE COAL MINING.
" Live not for thyself alone !
Know that God made all men brothers ;
Therefore let thy deeds be done
Ever for the good of others."
Investing Surplus Capital — Coal Mining Scheme adopted —
Extent of Colliery — Fortunes made by Coal — Bugle Horn
bought — Its situation — Fall in prices — Its effect — Further
capital needed — Co-operative fidelity — Why the scheme
failed.
A FEW years after our Society started the great cry
amongst Co-operative Societies was : " How must we
invest our surplus capital ? " the accumulated
savings invested with Co-operative Societies in many cases
far exceeding the amount required by them for the purposes
of distributive trade. It was necessary, therefore, to look out
for other investments. As Co-operation aims to secure
" the greatest happiness of the greatest number," it was
natural that productive Co-operation should attract the
attention of the managers of distributive Societies, and still
more so that Co-operative coal mining should be prominent
amongst the schemes brought before the movement, owing
to the very high prices at that time commanded by the
article.
Coal is one of the most important items in connection
with our great manufacturing industries, and is also a
necessary article in all Co-operative households ; it is one
of our daily wants, and should, therefore, be on our list
of " goods required from the Store."
Unlike mineral properties generally, the extent of a
coalfield can generally be ascertained pretty accurately,
428 History of the Great and Little Bolton
and its future yield very closely calculated. There are
certainly cases where such calculations may be interfered
with by what are termed " faults," but I am given to
understand that the nature and condition of our coal
deposits have been so carefully studied that the where-
abouts .of the faults are often known, though in some cases
they may not have been clearly defined. It may then be
assumed that, when the thickness of a seam has been
ascertained, the amount of coal contained in a given area
is simply a matter of arithmetic. Coal properties have for
some generations been the source of considerable wealth
to numerous owners. Some of the largest fortunes made in
this country have been derived from the " black diamond,"
a name which weU denotes its intrinsic value. When we
say that 133,306,485 tons were raised in this country in
1875, we indicate the difficulty of forming a just conception
of the vast amount required to meet the demand of our trade,
industry, and domestic and social institutions.
Our ironworks, our steam mills, our railways, and
many of our ships depend upon coal as a generative power ;
in fact, turn which way we may, we find coal taking one of
the first places in the sources of our national prosperity.
The demand does occasionally flag, but I don't think it
likely we shall ever see it permanently decrease.
Lancashire is a great coalfield, and some of the members
of our Co-operative Societies are miners ; we have the beds
of coal under our feet. The winners of it are amongst us,
and the capital required to raise it is invested by our
Societies with the bankers, who are now lending it to those
who employ us. Why, then, we might well ask, should we
not engage largely in coal mining ?
It is well known that at the time above referred to
the sudden rise in the price of coal enabled colliery
proprietors to reap rich harvests. New companies were
called into existence, existing collieries were developed,
and others which had been temporarily abandoned were
reopened.
It was at this time that the Co-operators of this district
determined upon commencing mining operations, and, after
considerable deliberation, they decided upon the formation
Co-operative Society Limited. 429
of the United Co-operative Coal Mining Society Limited,
which was registered in January, 1874. This Society was
formed by Co-operative Societies, Co-operative companies,
and individuals, and we read in the prospectus, which was
issued in May, 1875, that the object of the promoters was
to " supply themselves with coal from their own mines."
The Society had purchased a very fine field of coal from
the lessee, but it appeared that the landowner absolutely
declined to transfer the mine to a Co-operative Society.
In a later prospectus we read : —
We have purchased the Bugle Horn Colliery, a capital property,
which is in complete working order, and has an area of 70 Cheshire
acres of the Wigan 3ft., 4ft., and 5ft. seams underlying the whole
estate at the following depths : — 3ft., 40 yards ; 4ft., 78 yards ; and
5ft., 104 yards from the surface.
The colliery had two well-constructed shafts, each 14ft.
diameter inside the brickwork, sunk to the lowest of the
above seams of coal, aU of which were opened out (strait
work chiefly) in preparation for fuU development, when the
Society was able to raise not less than 2,000 tons per week.
The report of the mining engineer confirmed the opinion
of the Committee and Manager. He wrote : —
Latchford, near Warrington,
May loth, 1875.
Gentlemen, — I have examined on your behalf the Bugle Horn
Colliery, which, though only commenced in April, 1872, is now very
well advanced in opening out. It is, in my opinion, a very suitable
colliery for your purpose. The plant and appliances are quite
capable of extracting 2,000 tons per week, which quantity should
shortly be obtained. The quality of coal is satisfactory.
Yours respectfully,
James Cave Whittle, Mining Engineer.
The whole of the machinery was new and of the most
modern construction, and of an exceedingly good quality.
Sixty railway coal wagons were bought with the coUiery,
and 150 more were afterwards added to the plant. The
colliery was situated in the township of Westhoughton,
and was connected with the Eccles and Wigan branch of
the London and North-Western Railway by a tramway
about 1,200 yards in length, and was eleven miles distance
from Bolton. It was, therefore, well placed, being in the
430 History of the Great and Little Bolton
centre of the manufacturing district, and within easy access
of some of our largest Co-operative Societies. The produce
of the mine was as suitable for the district as the mine
itself was within easy reach. The 5ft. mine was what was
known in Manchester as the " Trencherbone," and in Wigan
as the " 9ft." It was a hard coal, contained a great quantity
of heat, and burned well. The 4ft., which was best known
as the " Wigan 4ft.," was a softer coal, which, being mixed
with the 5ft. coal, formed a very capital house coal, and
gave considerable satisfaction to those who used it. The 3ft.
was a soft but very excellent coal, and was sold largely by
the previous proprietor for gas making purposes, but the
demand for burgy from this Society enabled the Directors
to dispose of the whole of it for steam coal.
The contents of the land acquired was 213 Cheshire
acres in the three seams, and the estimated yield of coal
was about 2,300,000 tons, which, at the rate of 2,000 tons
per week, would last twenty-three years. This was taken
at 3,000 tons per foot per Cheshire acre, but, as the actual
measurement was 3,200 tons, there remained a sufficient
margin for faults or any other cause of shortness of quantity.
The demand of the Societies who were customers for fuel
was almost stationary for a few years, though it was
gratifying to find that it rose from 6,700 tons for the half
year ending June, 1876, to 8,200 tons for the half year
ending June, 1877. If the Societies had taken all the house
coal produced in the last half year which they had an
undoubted market for, the profit realised by this Society
would have amounted to a considerably larger sum than
the balance sheet showed.
The royalties on the coal were not excessive, but there
was a certain standing expense, comprising wages, wagon
hire, repairs and renewals (more or less), surface rents,
rates and taxes, interest on money, which must always be
met, and if the yield of fuel was large the percentage was
proportionately less.
Such in outline was the Society's position, and, admitting
it to be desirable that the Societies generally, and those in
this district in particular, should as speedily as possible
have produced for themselves the commodity the United
Co-operative Society Limited. 431
Coal Mining Society supplied, it must be gratifying to know
that, despite difficulties innumerable and unusually great,
the Society named made the progress and obtained the
footing to which it could fairly lay claim. Among many
obstacles to a greater success than it actually attained the
reduction in prices took a prominent place. If the reduction
in the price of the article sold had been accompanied by a
corresponding diminution in the cost of producing it, the
Society would have found in these circumstances no hind-
rance to its prosperity, but, as the cost of production did
not decrease in the same ratio as the price of coal, the Society
had to wait longer for the brightening time than it was
originally believed it would have to do. Had the conditions
in respect of cost of production and selling prices remained
as they were when the Society's operations began, a paying
trade would have resulted from a much smaller output
than was afterwards required to secure that end. Still, as the
capacity of the mine had not then been approached, while
the paying point had already been passed, it was evident
that, unless the prices should experience a further reduction,
which was hardly likely, the Society's prospects of sur-
mounting the obstacle which the lowness of prices, as
compared with the cost of raising, was admitted to present,
was a fair one. But if any credit was due to those in whose
hands the Society was vested during the trying time to
which I refer for their conquest over the obstacles thus
offered, they were especially to be commended for achieving
this success in face of an almost unparalleled slackness of
general trade. No doubt, if the trades largely consuming
coal had been busier than they had been for a considerable
time, the production of coal would have been stimulated,
and capital would have poured into the business which was
otherwise employed. This Society would, however, have
shared in that advantage, and, in the absence of it, it was
gratifying that such good results should have been obtained.
To have carried on the Society as the Committee did, with
a capital totally inadequate to the magnitude of the
undertaking, was exceptionally meritorious. When one
remembers that the colliery cost originally £32,320 ; that
/8,ooo since the purchase was sunk in necessary additions
432 History of the Great and Little Bolton
to plant and in opening up the mine ; that £2,000 is a barely
sufficient margin of working capital ; that royalties and
other sundry charges were regular expenses ; and that
to meet these demands the shareholders provided a share
capital of only about £13,000, leaving the Directors to
raise the rest by loan and mortgage, one is surprised to find
that Co-operative coal mining still found an efficient agent
in the United Coal Mining Society. If Co-operative Societies
propose to conduct at all extensively enterprises of this kind
they will have to comply a little more reasonably with the
conditions under which they can alone be successfully
prosecuted than they were doing in the case of the United
Coal Mining Society, so far at least as share capital was
concerned. If Societies who were shareholders with, or
customers of, the United Coal Mining Society would have
wisely consulted their own permanent interests, and supplied
the needful funds for pushing the Society's trade and
making the supply equal to an increased demand, their
enterprise would have been speedily rewarded with
satisfactory success.
Of course, it was not capital alone which was required
to realise the hopeful anticipations of those who wished the
Society well. It needed custom, not so much as but in addi-
tion to the means of supplying that custom when obtained.
The position of the Society was this : ah the coal the Society
turned out it could and did sell, but preparations for a
much larger output were fast being completed. When
completed, the Directors felt confident that they could find
a profitable market for all the burgy and slack produced,
but the production of these implied the production of
house coal to a proportionately larger amount than was at
first produced. For this, they were not so sure of a market
equally profitable, unless it could be sold direct to the
consumers, i.e., to the Societies themselves, who could as
easily have supplied the trade as the capital, which they
were slow to do.
It was probable that the Societies within the area which
the United Coal Mining Society might reasonably hope to
supply had an unemployed surplus capital of £200,000,
and it was certain that their consumption of house coal was
Co-operative Society Limited. 433
many times greater than the capacity of the Bugle Horn
Colliery. Why, then, should there have been any difficulty
in securing both these necessary conditions of a great and
permanent success ? The Edgworth Society was a brilliant
example of Co-operative fidelity and devotion, having
invested (with a membership of 500) the sum of £250 in
transferable shares and loans, or an investment at the rate
of £1 per member through the whole Society. Besides
this, seventeen individuals, members of the Edgworth
Society, were shareholders in the Coal Society and held loans
to the extent of an additional £60. During the last half of
the year 1877 the Society bought coals to the value of £200,
or again at the rate of nearly £1 per member per year.
Why, if all the Societies who were shareholders in the Coal
Society, not to speak of those who were only customers,
even approached the Edgworth Society in the heartiness
of their support, the problem of Co-operative coal mining
would for ever have been solved. Some Societies, Bury and
Bolton, for example, did indeed threaten to rob Edgworth
of her laurels, but the majority stood in need of a great
revival to make them worthy of such commendable
company.
The fact remains that the promoters were in advance
of their time. It was much easier to form a Society than
to make it successful. Many coal mining Societies were
formed, each seeking a trade. If the Societies themselves
which had the capital and a demand for coal saw the need
of forming a federative Society, and did form one, then
another Society needed to be established for supplying
Co-operators. Such a Society was formed in and around
Manchester, but it did not succeed, because there were
several others in distant parts of the country, each of which '
was asking for capital and trade ; each in a certain sense
claiming that it ought to have these, and necessarily that
others ought not. Numbers of coal mines were offered
at this time, but those who wanted to sell required for
them much more than it was desirable to give. The want of
a federation of coal societies for joint action was apparent,
and it was soon felt that they might injure each other,
and perhaps Co-operation generally.
DD
434 History of the Great and Little Bolton
CHAPTER LIV.
OUR CONNECTION WITH THE COAL
SOCIETY.
First Resolutions — Negotiations — Warning Note Issued —
Expert Advice Claimed — Colliery Taken Over — Mr.
Hackney Appointed as Manager — Attempts at Working —
— Giving up Dealing with Loss — Final Arrangements.
COAL bulked largely in 1875-6, as is shown by the
minutes of this period : —
That the Committee consider the question on Friday
evening next, August 13th, 1875, relative to the question of taking
up land for a coal yard in Bolton in connection with the Coal Society.
January 4th, 1 876. — That Messrs. Grime and Boardman be dele-
gated to attend a Special Meeting of the United Co-operative Coal
Mining Society Limited, to be held January 7th, and be authorised
(subject to the consent of the adjourned Annual Meeting) to guarantee,
on behalf of this Society, security up to ;£i,ooo if necessary, to the
Wholesale Bank, for an overdraft by the Coal Company to com-
plete an instalment of ;£6,ooo of the purchase money, and that we
recommend the adjourned Annual Meeting to give the necessary
consent.
July 7th, 1876. — That the Secretary write the Bugle Horn Coal
Company stating that we are willing to advance the whole of the
;£i 3,000 required on the following conditions : —
That they give us a mortgage on the whole of the mine, plant,
&c., for ^^14,000.
That we receive interest at the rate of 5 per cent, to be paid
quarterly.
That the principal be repaid ;^i,ooo every six months, to com-
mence from the date of the mortgage.
This will include the /i,ooo we have in the Society as loan capital.
August 14th, 1876. — That we agree to advance ;£9,ooo to the
United Co-operative Coal Mining Society Limited on condition
that the Bury Society advance a similar amount, and that the two
Societies have a joint mortgage on the Bugle Horn Colhery and
plant for ;^2o,ooo, which will include the advance of ;^i,ooo made
Co-operative Society Limited. 435
by each Society as loan capital, and also on condition that additional
share or loan capital to the amount of ;^4,ooo be subscribed by
other shareholding Societies, and also subject to a further condition
to be agreed upon and specified in the mortgage deed.
September 8th, 1876. — That a cheque for £1,000 additional
loan capital be sent to the United Co-operative Coal Mining Com-
pany.
October i6th, 1876. — That we appoint a deputation from this
Society to confer with deputations from the Wholesale and the Coal
Societies, and that they be allowed to make an ofier of ;£8,ooo
additional capital to the latter, provided we obtain a mortgage for
;£io,ooo on the Bugle Horn Colliery and plant, and the Wholesale
Society advance ;£i4,ooo on a similar and joint mortgage ; also
provided that such offer, if agreed to, be subsequently submitted
to this Committee for ratification or otherwise. Messrs. Tunstall,
Grime, and the Secretary to be delegates.
Not very long after this a note of warning was issued in
the following letter : —
THE BUGLE HORN COLLIERY.
Sir, — This speculation is becoming a very serious question for
those Societies which have invested freely, both in loan and share
capital. It has also become a question whether it is a wise specula-
tion or not. Be that as it may, the time has come when some decisive
action must be taken (and there is no other alternative) to raise the
necessary amount of capital to put it on a free and independent
footing. But the means of raising that capital, as suggested by a
circular which I saw on Saturday, is, I think, a mistaken course to
adopt. To issue preference shares at extraordinary interest will,
in my opinion, only create distrust, and will not furnish the requisite
amount.
According to the circular, the sum required is ;£6,5oo, and this
wiU enable them to tide over their difficulties for some time, if not
put them in a position to work the concern profitably without any
further calls on its members.
This was followed by a resolution : —
That we send a delegate to the Special Meeting of the United
Co-operative Coal Mining Society, to be held on Wednesday,
November 7th, 1877, to vote for the appointment of an independent
mining engineer to inspect and report as to the present position and
prospects of the Bugle Horn CoUiery, provided the Societies repre-
sented are agreed that the expense of the survey shall be paid by
those Societies. That Mr. Tunstall be the delegate.
He reported that the cost of the Coal Society's survey
was agreed to be paid by the Coal Society, and that a
436 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Sub-Committee was appointed to engage a mining engineer
to make the survey.
The final proceedings in connection with the Coal Society
began on April loth, 1878, when three delegates were sent
to the Joint Meeting of the Coal Society, the Wholesale
Society, and this Society, and a recommendation adopted
as follows ; " That we agree to join with the Wholesale
Society in taking possession of the Bugle Horn Colliery."
This meeting was followed by a letter from the Secretary
of the United Co-operative Coal Mining Society Limited
(to give it its full title) inviting the mortgagees in to take
possession immediately, pending the meeting of the
shareholders which was called for April 20th of that year.
The Finance Committee at once took action, and the next
day the following resolutions were adopted : —
(i) That the notice prepared and read over by the solicitors
demanding payment from above Society of principal advanced on
mortgage by the Wholesale Society and the Bolton Society, with
interest, be at once served on them, and if not paid we shall place
some person in possession of the Bugle Horn Colliery on our behalf.
(2) Resolved, — That Mr. Alfred Hackney be appointed to take
possession of the colliery on behalf of both Societies.
(3) Resolved, — That we distrain at once on the United Coal Society
for rent, to which we are entitled under the deed of security.
(4) Resolved, — That the wagons be all marked with the new name,
" The Co-operative Wholesale Society Limited and other Mort-
gagees," and that notice be immediately posted up on the pit bank
of our having taken possession, and that all servants be given to
understand that their services will be taken over by the new masters,
and that the new masters will pay them from this date. That the
servants be also informed that the old masters will have to pay them
up in full up to to-day, but all notices to leave must be given in as if
the old service had discontinued.
(5) That the United Coal Society be requested to furnish Mr.
Hackney with a list of their creditors, and to lend him the working
rules for his information as to working the colliery.
(6) Resolved, — That Mr. Hackney be authorised to guarantee the
workmen the wages due to them from the United Society, and to
re-engage them in continuance of their late engagement.
(7) That the United Coal Society be requested to send all their
books to the Wholesale Society's office in order that they could be
immediately balanced, and that Mr. Wood supervise the arranging
and keeping of the books which are prepared for the mortgagees.
Co-operative Society Limited. 437
(8) Resolved, — That a Committee of four persons be formed to
manage the colliery on behalf of the mortgagees, two to be appointed
by the Wholesale Society and two by the Bolton Society.
This course was adopted, and the following resolution
passed : —
That the report and proceedings of the deputation appointed to
deal with the matter of the Bugle Horn Colliery be approved of, and
that Messrs. Taylor and Grime be appointed as our delegates to serve
on the Bugle Horn Colliery Committee.
A circular was drawn up calling the attention of the
members to the coal trade, and 10,000 copies were printed
for distribution at the various Stores.
The next move was an agreement to advance ;f2,ooo in
conjunction with £2,000 advanced by the Wholesale Society
to the credit of the Bugle Horn Colliery Committee to meet
the estimated requirements of the latter for purchase of
cottages, additions to wagons, payment of royalties, &c.,
up to June, 1879.
A deputation was appointed on September 9th, 1878,
consisting of the President and Secretary, to wait upon
Mr. Johnson, the proprietor of the coalyard in Crook
Street, to endeavour to obtain from him a reduction in the
rate for yard rent.
A deputation to the Wholesale was appointed to go
into the relative position of the Societies, and they returned
from the Wholesale Society with the statement that they
acknowledged that it was agreed between the two Societies
that any amounts to be advanced jointly by the two
Societies after the completion of the mortgage should only
be advanced by joint agreement, and upon special conditions
as to control over the applications of such advances, and it
was pointed out that, whatever might be our position with
respect to the amounts paid to secure completion of the
mortgage, we could not be held strictly responsible to share
the amounts advanced subsequently which we had in no
way agreed to nor been consulted upon. The deputation
pleaded that the advances had been made to keep the Coal
Society going, and that they were made under the idea that
it was the best possible course to pursue in the interest of
the joint mortgagees, and that they were acting just as much
438 History of the Great and Little Bolton
for our interests as their own. The question was ultimately
postponed for the consideration of the Committee. The
deputation also explained that they had suspended, in
deference to the expression of opinion from the Special
Meeting of the Coal Society on October 27th, 1877, the
notice they had given that they would cease to honour the
Coal Society's cheques after November ist. The cost of
the proposed special and independent survey of the colliery
was estimated at £100.
Although this survey was carried out and it resulted
in a satisfactory report being given from the engineer
appointed, stiU the need for the supply of a large amount
of capital, coupled with the shortage of orders for house
fire coal, caused the following resolution to be eventually
adopted : —
That the Secretary write the Wholesale Society's Committee
informing them that this Society has resolved to dispose of its
interest in the Bugle Horn Colliery as early as possible, requesting
them at the same time to discuss the question at their next meeting
and inform us what steps they decide to adopt.
June 2nd, 1879. — That the Wholesale Society agrees to relieve
us from all further responsibilities and pay us ;£i,4oo, on condition
of our sharing equally with them in the payment of all moneys that
have been advanced, or have to be advanced, in adjusting all charges
against the colliery up to June 30th, and that we share equally with
them in any costs or liabilities up to ;£5oo (that would be ^^250 each)
that may arise in connection with three leases, viz., Daisy Hill,
Harts-i'-th'-Hole, and Carr Common, which it is proposed to reassign
to the mortgagors. On completion of the foregoing arrangements
the whole of our interest in the Bugle Horn Colliery and plant to be
transferred to the Wholesale Society.
That with respect to the cottages on the Bugle Horn Estate, we
offer to give up to the Wholesale Society our interest in those already
paid for, providing the Wholesale Society will pay the whole of the
cost of those the two Societies have undertaken to purchase.
Many anxious consultations were held, and finally on
June 30th the following resolution respecting the Bugle
Horn Colliery loss was carried : —
That the arrangements sanctioned by the resolution of the
Annual Meeting of January 6th for meeting the loss sustained in the
Bugle Horn Colliery investment be carried out in the balance sheet
for the quarter ending June 17th, and that the amount provided for
be ;£i4,ooo.
Co-operative Society Limited. 439
Further, that the Secretary do afifix the seal of the Society to an
agreement made between this Society and the Wholesale Society to
an assignment and conveyance of cottages on the same estate to the
Wholesale Society.
In spite of this loss a dividend of 2S. 6d. in the £ on
purchases was able to be declared.
On December nth, 1878, a resolution was adopted as
follows : " That we recommend the Annual Meeting of
members to authorise the Committee to dispose of the
Bugle Horn Colliery in the best possible way." This resolu-
tion was adopted, and submitted to the Annual Meeting of
the members held on January 6th, 1879, in the following
form : — ■
That this meeting authorises the Committee of Management to
dispose of our interest in the Bugle Horn Colliery in the best possible
way ; and to meet the prospective loss authorises the Committee to
appropriate the reserve funds amounting to ;£3,493. is. njd., add
;^i,o39 to the cottage building account, ;^2,ooo to the fixed stock
account, ^^3,606 to the building account in consideration of in-
creased value of ground rents, and, if necessary, add balance of loss
when definitely ascertained to the building account, in consideration
of increased value of buildings and the amount they have been
depreciated in our balance sheets. The total loss so met not to
exceed ;^i5,ooo.
This course was adopted, and it was a most ingenious
way of covering the loss occasioned thereby. The total
loss in reality worked out to between £16,000 and £17,000.
If the Society in those days could stand a loss like that
and survive, with the small cash balance at their disposal,
then how much greater and stronger is its standing to-day ?
The Bugle Horn property was offered for sale by the
Wholesale and Bolton Societies on Tuesday afternoon,
April 22nd, 1879, at the Thatched House Hotel, Manchester,
and was finally disposed of for the sum of £2,000, the loose
plant to be taken at a valuation. The property was
originally purchased by the United Co-operative Coal Mining
Society for £32,000, and on that Society coming into
liquidation it passed into the hands of the Wholesale and
Bolton Societies, who had a joint mortgage on it of £21,000.
Thus ended a bad speculation.
440 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
•
At the end of December, 1879, the final arrangements
were made by this Society and the Wholesale representatives
in connection with the Bugle Horn Colliery accounts, and
a cheque sent for £1,200, being the amount due to the
Wholesale from this Society. Well might the poet sing : —
(Tune, '' Old Hundredth," slow time.)
Oh, Bugle Horn ! Oh, Bugle Horn !
The sound of thee is sad, forlorn ;
The thought of thee doth make us mourn,
Thou art not worth a peppercorn.
Thy throat is deep as any pit.
And, though we blow our notes* in it,
It yields no music that is fit —
We cannot get our benefit.
Oh, that the men had ne'er been born
Who palmed on us that thing outworn ;
That thing which is held up to scorn.
That thing they call the Bugle Horn.
When they did buy thee they did think
Thou wouldst repay them for the chink,
But they may blow thee while they wink,
The notes* within thee sink, sink, sink.
Poor men, they understood thee not.
They purchased that they knew not what.
This on their judgment was a blot.
Do they deserve what they have got ?
Well, yes ; well, no ; well, let them now
A warning take — make solemn vow
To deal alone in things they know,
And Bugle Horns for aye eschew.
Oh, Bugle Horn ! Oh, Bugle Horn !
The sound of thee is sad, forlorn ;
The thought of thee doth make us mourn,
Thou art not worth a peppercorn.
Masbro'. — Thos. Swann.
* Bank notes.
Local Co-operative Efforts,
CHAPTER LV.
MAKERS OF THE MOVEMENT,
CHIEFLY PIONEERS.
' The achievements of those who are gone, these are the inheri-
tance of the people. The only true riches of the nation — men and
women — these are the people themselves. The people have but to
will it, and we set our faces towards a civilisation." — L. G. Chiozza
Money, M.P.
What One Woman did for the Bolton Society.
IT seems strange to commence this section by reference
to the work of a woman, and yet it is fitting, because
of the great services rendered by her in connection
with the formation and development of the Society. She
was really drawn into this movement by her husband, and
continued the connection established by him.
Mrs. Mary A. Ashton can fittingly be called a pioneer
of the Society. When the agitation which resulted in the
formation of this Society was being carried on by an earnest
group of handloom weavers on what was then known as
Bolton Moor, places of meeting were scarce, and it was a
great convenience to them to be, allowed to meet at the
beerhouse of Mr. Ashton. Here the preliminaries were
carried out, and a temporary Committee of seven formed.
The first shop of the Great and Little Bolton Equitable
Industrial Co-operative Society was opened in Derby
Street, next door to the beerhouse, on a lease for fourteen
years at £14 a year. From this humble beginning our
Society has grown to its present large dimensions, for, out
444 History of the Great and Little Bolton
of a population of over 180,000, over one-sixth are members
of this Society, which ranks as one of the largest in the
United Kingdom. Mrs. Ashton lived long enough to see
the beginning of this remarkable increase, and was laid to
rest about 1876. The Co-operators of Bolton owe ever-
lasting gratitude to Mrs. Ashton, who, trusting to their own
insight, first showed the practical way to the establishment
of the Bolton Society. Such a fact should surely call on
all Bolton women Co-operators to take a more active part
in the administration of the present-day affairs of their
Society.
Mr. John Morton was the first President of the Society,
though he only held that position for a few months. One of
the founders of this and the Bolton Friendly Society — which
came to grief before ours was started — he belonged to the
old school, and was perhaps ultra cautious in his views.
Ever a strenuous advocate of Co-operation, he yet could not
bring himself to the adoption of the forward policy which
was so vigorously pressed by the Little Bolton members.
He thought they were moving too fast, the result being
that he resigned. Fortunately, a copy in black lead pencU
of his letter of resignation has been preserved in an old
book which has just recently been found, and, therefore, we
are able to reproduce it as the only bit of evidence
in existence that relates to the first President. It
reads : —
To the Members of the Great and Little Bolton Equitable Industrial
Co-operative Society.
Gentlemen, — You will please to accept of my resignation as
President of your Society, as I cannot take part in the present pro-
ceedings, which I consider to be contrary to the interest of the Society
and detrimental to its well-being and prosperity.
I remain, yours truly,
March 6th, i860. John Morton.
It should be noted that the members are addressed as
" Gentlemen," thus confirming the statement that ladies
were not in the habit then of becoming members of the
Society or attending its meetings.
Co-operative Society Limited. 445
He was one of the main pioneers of our movement
locally, but he could not quite shake off his old
experiences, and beheved in the old maxim : " Slow and
Sure."
Mr. Morton was one of the deputation who went to
Rochdale to get particulars of how they managed their
affairs there, and was also one of the Committee of seven
appointed to found the Society. He can, therefore, be said
to have been a grand old pioneer, who did his best according
to the light that was in him.
To Mr. William Cranksliaw must be accorded the palm
of being the smartest man connected with the movement
locally in its earliest days. Of this fact there are no two
opinions — it is generally admitted. When the choice of a
Secretary was mooted he was at once unanimously appointed
by the pioneers, and served the Committee in that capacity
until the members appointed him as the first permanent
Secretary of the Society, from which position he afterwards
rose to the rank of the first Manager of the Society. He
was No. 4 registered at the start, and retained his interest
in the Society up to his death, which occurred about five
years ago. Of his usefulness to the Society in its early
struggles there can be no question. He was a worker,
yet he shone in that quiet insistence which so marked him
out above all others. He was the leaven that leavened the
whole lump. Ranking in social status with the others, he
yet stood above them by virtue of his early training and
his scholastic attainments. To him must be given the
credit of drafting out the first balance sheet, and for many
other things connected with the founding of the Society.
He was great on the value of Co-operation, and ever stood
up for its principles on all occasions. His appeals for
loyalty on the part of the members are unique. Mr. Crank-
shaw never figured prominently in connection with any other
movement, simply confining his efforts to the work and
affairs of the Bolton Co-operative Society.
Mr. James Horridge was one of the founders of the
Society when it commenced business in Derby Street in
446 History of the Great and Little Bolton
1859. A Committee of seven was appointed, and amongst
the seven was Mr. Horridge. He was one of the band of
handloom weavers who worked hard to open a Co-operative
Store in Bolton — in fact, he was one of the first to join the
Society, his share book number being five. In those early
days each member of the Committee had some set work to
do, and it fell to the lot of Mr. Horridge to attend the Store
at night and weigh out the flour needed by the members.
He also used to buy the pigs for the Society when they were
requked and at all times took an active interest in the
Society's work and progress, even up to the time of his
death, which took place on AprU 14th, 1882. He was a
staunch Co-operator.
Mr. William Heys was also one of the pioneers of the
Society. Before it could be formed a certain amount of
money had to be got together and arrangements made for
carrying on business. Mr. Heys was one of the few who
subscribed to the fund raised for that purpose, and was
deputed, along with Messrs. Morton, Horridge, and Bullough,
to visit Rochdale and learn what they could of the system
adopted there to carry on business. After the Society was
formed he took his part in the work, and assisted from time
to time in attending to the wants of customers. He served
on the Committee of Management in the years 1865-6,
when the first buildings in Bridge Street were erected, and
he kept up his interest in the large Society that had grown
from such small beginnings until his death.
Mr. Thomas Nicholson was one of the old members of
the Committee of Management who joined the Society in
its infancy, and was appointed one of the Trustees in 1862.
On this office being abolished by Act of Parliament he was
elected a member of the Committee. Mr. Nicholson also
took part in the opening of the first Reading-room of the
Society, and was a delegate to the Wholesale Society during
the first year of its existence. He always took an active
interest in Co-operation, and was a member of both the
Bolton and Farnworth Societies.
Co-operative Society Limited. 447
Mr. John Seddon, a former member of the Committee
of Management, was another of the pioneers of the Society.
He was a member of the Committee when the Society had
only two shops, one in Derby Street and the other in Bank
Street, and, as the lease of the shop in Bank Street was
running out, new premises were needed, and he was one of
a Sub-Committee appointed to look out suitable premises
or a site on which to build another shop. After inspecting
a number of places the plot of land at the corner of Bridge
Street and Bow Street was selected. There was great
opposition to the scheme, many members thinking that
the plot would ruin the Society, but amongst a few of
those who believed in a bold and forward policy as the best
none worked harder than Mr. Seddon, both in season and
out of season. He, in fact, fought for it in Committee and
privately among the members personally. After serving on
the Committee for four years he failed to secure re-election,
but his interest in Co-operation never waned, and nothing
seemed to please him more than to recount his early
experiences in connection with the growth of the Bolton
Co-operative Society.
Mr. William Flitcroft is a former Chairman of the
Drapery Committee and a pioneer. Amongst those who
took part in the Society at the time of its formation was
the subject of our sketch, Mr. W. Flitcroft, his name
appearing in the Hst of pioneers. Although a member
from its commencement, he took no official part in the
Society's work for many years. However, in 1886 he
allowed himself to be nominated for a seat on the
Board of Management, to which position he was elected
on July 5th in that year. On completing one year of
service he failed to secure re-election, but after being
off the Committee for six months he was again elected
in January, 1888. At the completion of 1890 he had
served three years in succession, and according to rule he
then had to retire from the Directorate. Mr. Flitcroft has
represented the Society on many occasions. In whatever
position he was called upon to fill he discharged his duties
to the best of his abilities, and on his retirement from the
448 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Chairmanship in February, 1891, he carried away the good
wishes of his fellow-workers.
Mr. James Fletcher was one of the pioneers of the
Society. He, along with Mrs. Ashton and others, took the
necessary steps for its foundation. It was not, however,
until 1877 that he joined the Committee of Management,
which position he held for two years, during which time
Astley Bridge Store was opened. Mr. Fletcher always was
an enthusiastic supporter of Co-operation, and especially
so in its early days, when help and encouragement were
very much needed.
Mr. Walter Vickers was one of the pioneers of the
Society who took part in the agitation which led to the
formation of a Co-operative Store in Little Bolton, and
joined the Society in its first quarter. The first shop opened
by the Society was in Derby Street, and a number of
members, amongst whom was Mr. Vickers, borrowed a
handcart and fetched their weekly stock into Little Bolton.
As many members would not take the trouble to go so far
for their groceries a movement was set on foot for the
establishment of a Store on the Little Bolton side of the
town. Mr. Vickers took an active part in this movement,
feeling satisfied that if a shop was opened it would be weU
supported, an opinion which proved to be well founded, as
the second Store in Manor Street proved even more success-
ful than the Derby Street Store. At an early period of
the Society's history the offices were held in a room at
Acresfield. This room, with a small ante-room, was
used for meetings of members, for a Reading-room, Secre-
tary's office, and also for the meetings of the Committee
of Management, Mr. Vickers acting as roomkeeper. It
was during the time that business was transacted at Acres-
field that he was first elected a member of the Committee
of Management. At that time the Committee were
hampered in their work by a want of capital on one hand
and a want of confidence from the general public on the
other, and it required a great amount of tact and discretion
to work things smoothly. On one occasion, ov/ing to a
Co-operative Society Limited. i\i\C)
rise in prices, the Committee were led to buy an extra stock
of flour and butter. This proved a good investment, but
it placed the Directors in a fix, for when pay day came
round they had bills amounting to about £350, and only
£50 to pay them with. Mr. Vickers made a suggestion to
the Committee which, on being acted upon, saved them the
unpleasantness of refusing payment, and perhaps saved
the credit of the Society. Mr. Vickers, having ceased to be
a Director of the Society, was asked to assist in the new
Bridge Street Stores on Friday and Saturday evenings by
weighing out butter. He consented to take the work for
a few weeks, until some other arrangement could be made ;
but the few weeks extended into seven years. In January,
1871, he was again elected a member of the Committee of
Management, which position he held for three years, when
he failed to secure re-election. He tried again in April,
1882, and he was again elected on the Board of Management,
and continued a member until July, 1886. During his
long career Mr. Vickers filled many positions in connection
with the Society. He attended the Annual Co-operative
Congress held at Derby in 1884, and was a member of the
Reception Committee in 1872, when the Congress was held
in Bolton. He died on July loth, 1901, and was interred at
Tonge Cemetery, and the Society lost an earnest and con-
sistent worker.
Mr. Abraham Guest was one of the old officers of the
Society who consistently advocated its claims to notice
amongst his friends in its early days. He served on the
Committee of Management in the 'sixties (1867). At that
time competition for places on the Committee was not so
great as at the present time, votes which would be considered
a fleabite to-day compared with the modern conditions
existing, being amply sufficient then to carry one through
to success at the poll, simply because the position was not
considered so honourable. There is no doubt that the
Society owes much to its old members, who were willing to
accept the snubs and slights given so readily at this time,
and quietly go on giving it the needed help and guidance,
and willing to devote their time and attention to furthering
450 History of the Great and Little Bolton
its interests, with little hope of any great personal reward
to themselves.
Mr. Edward Staton Crook was also one of the early
workers in the Society, and a former member of the Com-
mittee of Management. He wrote a few interesting details
relating to his connection as follows : —
I well remember being on the Committee when there was only
Derby Street Store and a Branch shop in Bank Street, which was
opened for the benefit of the members in Little Bolton, who, before
that shop was opened, used to come to Derby Street with a handcart
and take sufficient groceries for a week's supply. These were chiefly
handloom weavers living in and about what was then known as
" Long Row " (Prince Street). I was on the Committee at the time
the lease of the Bank Street shop ran out, and during the time the
Central Stores were being erected in Bridge Street. The site was a
plot of land between Bow Street and the river, and was in such an
uneven position that some people considered it most unsuitable to
put any buildings upon, and when the Co-operative Society got that
land and commenced building operations, the public, and also some
members inside the movement, prophesied that it would never be
able to find money to pay for it, but that the Society would be bank-
rupt before the building got to the level of the street. The Com-
mittee were blamed for the headstrong and careless manner in which
they were spending the members' money and bringing the Society to
certain destruction, some members actually withdrawing their
shares in consequence. One of these weak-kneed Co-operators,
after withdrawing his money, went to a widow in Shaw Street to per-
suade her to withdraw hers, as he felt fully persuaded that the
Society was going to break, and soon there would be nothing for
anyone if they went on spending the money as they were doing in
Bridge Street. But the woman gave a noble answer, for she said,
" I never paid anything into the Co-op. Society but a shilling, and
if there is owt beside that it's what Co-op. has made, and if it has need
on't it may have it. I'm not going fotch it." And the Society has
many such members.
The work was proceeded with as quickly as possible, and the
contractor's drafts were paid as they became due. I have a Uvely
recollection of the change of feeling which came over both the members
and the public after the building began to show itself above the
street level. New members began gradually to join, and by the time
the buildings were finished the Society was able to pay off all the
contractor's claims.
The buUding then erected was arranged as follows : —
A boot and shoe shop was opened next the staircase, with a
good stock of boots and shoes, under the management of
Co-operative Society Limited. 451
a very able superintendent (Mr. John Balshaw). The next
or centre shop was opened as a Grocery Department,
managed by the staff from Bank Street shop. The shop at
Bow Street corner was opened as a Drapery Department,
under the superintendence of an honest and upright man
named John Anderson. A provision shop was also opened
in Bow Street. Mr. Crook adds : —
It has always been my opinion that it was the extraordinary
efiorts of the Committee and members of that day in placing that
large block of buildings in the centre of the town, and thus bringing
the Society before the public, that established Co-operation in Bolton
on such a firm basis, and laid the foundation on which the Society
has grown and spread to the present time.
When he left Bolton Mr. Crook continued his interest
in Co-operation, and joined the Longridge Co-operative
Society, serving on the Committee of that Society for
thirteen years, for seven years of which he was its President.
For a short time after commencing business the Society
had only one shop, which was in Derby Street. A number
of persons in Little Bolton, among whom was Mr. Freeman
Boardman, expressed their willingness to join the Society
provided a shop was opened in their part of the town, and
when Manor Street shop commenced business in May,
i860, Mr. Boardman joined along with others, and he
soon found something to do, for in a very short time he
became a member of the Educational, or, as it was at that
time called, the Literary Committee. After serving on this
Committee without fee he was prevailed upon to join the
Committee of Management, to which he was elected in
1867, which position he held, with a short interval of
two years, until April 3rd, 1882. It will be thus seen
that for about thirteen years Mr. Boardman was a
member of the Committee of Management, during which
period he held various important offices. He was President
of the Society for the year 1879. He was elected to repre-
sent the Society at the Annual Co-operative Congress held
at Leeds in the year 1881, which was presided over by the
Earl of Derby, K.G., and has on many occasions represented
the Society at trade and other meetings. By the alteration
452 History of the Great and Little Bolton
of the rules of the Society in 1882 he became disqualified
from serving on the Committee of Management, owing to
having a son employed in the Grocery Department, but in
October of the same year he was elected to a seat on the
Educational Committee, a position which he held in the
year 1890. He was Chairman of the Educational Com-
mittee in the year 1887. He was also a member of the
Science (Evening Classes) Committee, and also of the
Lectures and Entertainments Committee, and has also
served on the Library Committee. Mr. Boardman was
intimately connected with the working of the Society on
either the Committee of Management or on the Educational
Committee for more than twenty years, and during that
time the progress of the Society was so rapid that every shop
that the Society possessed was either built or enlarged, in
order to meet the growing wants of the members. The
interest which he always took in the Society's work was not
confined to the business part, for no face was more familiar
at any gathering of the members, whether it was a concert,
a ramble, or a monthly or quarterly meeting, than that of
Mr. Boardman. He still retains a lively interest in the
Society's doings, and attended the Old Members' Party,
which was given as part of the Jubilee Celebrations on
November 6th, 1909. He very heartily seconded the vote
of thanks which was accorded to the members and the
Committee of Management for the excellent tea and enter-
tainment provided for their benefit on that occasion.
Mr. John Tunstall is a former Chairman of the
Educational Committee. Great changes have taken place
in our Society during the past forty-nine years, and few
persons now survive who have kept up their membership
during this long period. Amongst the few, however, Mr.
Tunstall must be counted, for he joined the Society in the
month of May, i860. At that time Manor Street shop was
just opening, and Co-operation in Bolton was just getting
to its feet. He joined the Committee of Management, and
took part in the opening of the third shop, which was in
Newport Street, and since that time he has always taken a
prominent part in the Society's work. Having served a
Co-operative Society Limited. 453
few years on the Committee of Management he failed to
secure re-election, and so for a time he remained a private
member. He again joined the Committee in 1868 for that
year, and took part in the opening of the Central Store in
Bridge Street, the first great undertaking of the Society.
He retired at the end of his year of office, but was again
elected in January, 1871. In 1874 he was elected President
of the Society ; in 1875 he was re-elected, and in the follow-
ing year (1876) for the third time in succession he was
elected President. As a member of the Committee he has
filled many important offices. From 1871 to 1882 Mr.
Tunstall held uninterruptedly a seat on the Committee of
Management, and, like Mr. Boardman, he became disquali-
fied from serving on that Board owing to having a son
employed in the Grocery Department. In March, 1885,
he was elected a member of the Educational Committee, a
position which he held up to 1893.
When the Technical Instruction Committee was first
formed, and all the classes which had formerly been worked
by the Educational Committee of the Society were finally
merged into those of the Borough, Mr. Tunstall was the
representative of the Educational Committee who was
first appointed to serve on that Board. He served in that
capacity ten years, resigning in 1904. A resolution from
the members at the Quarterly Meeting held on Monday,
November 7th, 1904, was placed on the minutes, expressing
an appreciation of Mr. Tunstall's services as the Society's
representative on the Technical Instruction Committee, and
it was resolved to forward a vote of thanks to him from that
meeting.
He is one of the grand old men of the movement, and
attended the Old Members' Party which was given on
November 6th, 1909, proposing the hearty vote of thanks
which was to be conveyed to the members for granting
the party.
Mr. Henry Gerrey, though not one of the founders of
the Bolton Co-operative Society, was one of the few members
who shared in the first division of profits, which took place
454 History of the Great and. Little Bolton
in March, i860, when a dividend of is. gd. in the £ was paid
on £898 of members' purchases. He signed the declaration
book at the house of Mr. Robert Grime, the Society at that
time having no office of its own. The Monthly and Quarterly
Meetings were held at a public-house (Mrs. Ashton's) in
Derby Street. This place of meeting not being satisfactory,
he and another member were deputed to seek out other
premises, and on July 9th, i860, the offices were moved to
the Progression Room, Moor Lane, but in less than six
months another move was made to Acresfield. At this
time he took an active part in the Society's work, and was
twice elected President. From the very commencement
of the Society aj per cent of the net profits were set apart
for educational purposes, and under the Presidency of
Mr. Gerrey, in 1862, the first attempt was made to open a
Reading-room and Library. A casual remark made to a tea
merchant led to an offer to supply the Liverpool Mercury so
long as the Committee were willing to accept it, which was
accepted, and other papers were added as the funds allowed.
The growing business of the Society led the Committee of
Management to look about for a suitable building or plot of
land for a Central Store, and after much time and trouble
they decided upon the Bridge Street site. Mr. Gerrey did
not see his way to agree with the majority of the Committee,
and for a time, during the erection of the Bridge Street
premises, took no active part in the Society's work. In
1868 he was again elected President of the Society, to which
position he was re-elected in January, i86g. Under his
presidency the Building Department was inaugurated,
which has proved of such great benefit to both members
and to the Society itself. Thus, two important departments
were started — the Reading-room and Library — under his
first presidency, and the Building Department under his
latter term of office. In January, 1870, Mr. Gerrey lost his
seat on the Board of Management, but in July in the same
year we find him again on the Committee and acting as
Secretary. At the end of nine months, however, in the
early part of 1871, Mr. Gerrey (who had on various cases
of emergency acted as buyer) was appointed permanent
Manager and buyer for the Grocery Department, which
Co-operative Society Limited. 455
office he held uninterruptedly for nearly nineteen years.
At the time of his appointment the Society had one Central
and four Branch shops, and the total business per quarter
was about £10,000. At the close of his prolonged service
it had two Central and twenty-two Branch shops, and the
business per quarter was close upon £100,000. As Manager
for this long period he had always been found upright in his
dealings, and being of a modest disposition he never pre-
sumed upon his position. He had a great antipathy to
new-fangled articles, preferring rather to keep to the old
and tried goods than to fill the warehouse with new, untried,
and in many cases unsaleable goods. There is no doubt
that to the best of his ability Mr. Gerrey did what he
could to promote the best interests of the Society. When
the cares of increasing years came upon him, and he found
himself stricken down with sickness, he tendered his resigna-
tion as Manager. The members of the Society, at the first
meeting after Mr. Gerrey's resignation had been sent in,
passed a resolution of sympathy, with a request that it be
forwarded to him. In accordance with this resolution the
following address was prepared and presented to him : —
The Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
Mr. Henry Gerrey.
Dear Sir, — At the General Meeting of members of this Society,
held on the 7th January, 1890, we were unanimously requested to
express their sincere regret at the cause of your retirement from the
position of Manager of the Society, which you have held for a period
of over eighteen years.
We also desire to express our appreciation of service rendered
to the Society previous to your appointment as Manager — as Presi-
dent, Secretary, and member of the Committee of Management.
We are glad to testify to the integrity of your conduct during the
twenty-two years of your official connection with the Society, and
earnestly pray that your Ufe may be spared to enjoy the rest and
retirement you have so well earned.
Signed by the
Committee of Management.
To fill the vacancy caused by Mr. Gerrey's retirement
the Committee advertised in various papers for a successor,
and received no less than 201 applications for the office.
To carefully consider the claims and abilities of these persons
456 History of the Great and Little Bolton
the Committee met from time to time and reduced the
number down to six. On Tuesday, January 21st, these
six applicants appeared before the Committee, who, after
mature deliberation, appointed Mr. Alfred Hackney to
succeed Mr. Gerrey as Manager. There is no doubt that
the position of Secretary, which Mr. Hackney had held for
upwards of fourteen years, and in which office he had given
general satisfaction, influenced the Committee of Manage-
ment in making this appointment.
Mr. John Thomasson joined the Society in June, 1866,
and was a member about thirteen years before he took any
active part in the official work of the Society. In 1879, at
the request of his friends, he allowed himself to be put into
nomination, and was elected for a seat on the Educational
Committee. He took considerable interest in education,
and strove to make this department a popular branch in
the Society's work. After serving for more than a year on
this Committee he was elected a member of the Committee
of Management, where his abilities found increased scope for
action, and he devoted himself to the work before him with
such success that in a short time he was appointed Chair-
man of the Grocery Committee, a position which he held
for some years. He continued a member of the General
Committee until June, 1886, when he failed to obtain
re-election, but in 1887 he was again successful, and was
returned year by year up to 1890. On the appointment of
Mr. John Carr to the post of Inspector, the office of Presi-
dent became vacant, and Mr. Thomasson was elected to
the position, which office he held two years. During his term
of office the new Bridge Street premises were opened, and
it devolved upon him to name the new engine " Enterprise,"
aiid to start the new electric light installation which was
then first introduced. It was also his pleasing duty on
February 15th, 1890, to introduce the Lord Bishop of
Manchester to the members assembled at the Annual Tea
Meeting in the Temperance HaU. It is a pleasing thing to
record that the largest increase of business the Society had
ever had up to that time had taken place under his presi-
dency, the increase in the year 1889 being no less than
Co-operative Society Limited. 457
£35.256 over the previous year. Mr. Thomasson served
the Society in nearly all the offices open to members. As
before mentioned, he held the office of Chairman of the
Grocery Committee ; he also filled the post of Chairman
of the Drapery Committee, and occupied a similar
position on the Finance Committee, and as Chairman of
the Building Committee. He represented the Society
at a large number of District Conferences and other meetings
where it was desirable a member of the Committee of
Management should be present. In 1883 he was appointed
to represent the Society at the Annual Co-operative Congress
held in Edinburgh, and again at Glasgow in 1890. Mr.
Thomasson represented the Society on the Board of
Management of the Co-operative Printing Society for
seven years, and took a great interest in its development.
These instances are sufficient to show that in him we had a
good all-round man, and fully justified the proud position
that he held. At the Quarterly Meeting of members held
in the Co-operative Hall on Monday, February 3rd, 1890,
he was re-elected President of the Society without opposition
for the twelve months ending February, 1891, and at a
meeting of the Building Committee on Thursday, February
20th, he was again appointed Chairman of that important
Committee.
He died on November 15th, 1896, from an affection of
the heart. He had followed his work as Under-Manager
at Messrs. Johnson, Hodgkinson, and Pearson's Mills up to
the Saturday at noon, and was out of doors on the Saturday
night, and the news of his death on the Sunday just as he
was preparing to go to service at the Congregational Church,
St. George's Road, at which he was a deacon, came as a
shock to the members, a sudden seizure having put an end
to his life. He was buried at Tonge Cemetery, representa-
tives from the various Societies being present, our own
included. Those who knew him best testify to the con-
scientious manner in which he discharged every duty.
Mr. William A. Johnson, one of the former Presidents
of the Society, was one of its leaders in the early days. His
458 History of the Great and Little Bolton
connection with the Society was long and useful. He held
the position of its President in 1871-2. In 1872 he was
elected a Director of the Co-operative Wholesale Society,
which position he held for about twelve years. Mr. Johnson
also served on the Directorate of the Co-operative Printing
Society from 1877 to the day of his death, which took place
on February 12th, 1891. In these as well as in other
capacities he did a lot of Co-operative work in a quiet and
unostentatious fashion.
Mr. James Grime, a former member of the Committee
of Management, joined the Society in 1866, and as a member
was present at the opening festival at the Central premises.
Bridge Street, in 1870. He was elected a member of the
Educational Committee, from which position he resigned
owing to a severe Ulness. When the Annual Congress was
held at Bolton in 1872 Mr. Grime was appointed a member
of the Reception Committee, and took a great interest in
its work. At the Annual Meeting held in January, 1872,
he was elected a member of the Committee of Management
to fill a vacancy caused by the lamented death of Mr.
William Dance. He was re-elected year by year for seven
years, till June, 1880. During his term of office he held
the position of a Director of the Rochdale Corn MiU Society
until 1878, when, finding that he could not spare time to
fully attend to the duties, he resigned the position, which
was afterwards filled by Mr. Samuel Taylor, who died in
1893. Since leaving the Committee of Management Mr.
Grime took great interest in the Society's work, and was
appointed a representative to the Annual Congress held at
Carlisle in 1887. During his long connection with the
Society Mr. Grime witnessed many scenes of storm and
sunshine, and while a member of the Committee of Manage-
ment saw the dividend vary from is. to 3s. in the £, and
the sales rise and fall. The Society in its early years had
many things to learn and many battles to fight, and to-day
it reaps the reward of its past experiences, and members
of the present day, while enjoying the fruits of a prosperous
Society, should not forget to remember with thanks those
who fought an uphill battle in the days that are past.
Co-operative Society Limited. 459
Mr. John Williams worked on the Committee of
Management during the years 1875 to 1881. This was a
period of great activity as regards extension of trade
buildings, for during these years the Central premises were
enlarged by the addition of buildings which are now used as
the Butchering Department, the Boardroom, and the Small
Hall which was formerly arranged for a Reading-room.
Another great extension was the purchase of the land for
the building of the Bark Street premises, which were begun
but not completed when Mr. Williams left the Board. That
this plot was bought satisfactorily there can be no question.
At the price paid it was a bargain. Turning to the Branches,
the following Stores, Haulgh, Folds Road, Darcy Lever,
Victory, Vernon Street, and Astley Bridge were either
built or altered during that period. Mr. Williams was a
member of the Building Committee, and took a special
interest in the extension of the trade buildings as well as in
all departments of the Society's business. To-day he still
retains his interest, and attended the Old Members' Party
given as part of the Jubilee Celebrations.
Mr. Sydney Jackson, a former officer of the Society,
was a member of the Committee of Management from 1868
to 1870, and during that period acted as Secretary to the
Committee. In 1871 he failed to secure re-election, and
was off the Board until January, 1873, when he was again
elected, and retained his position until April, 1875, when he
became one of the Auditors of the Society, which position
he retained until 1880. He then resigned owing to
business engagements calling him away from Bolton.
During the twelve years referred to, Mr. Jackson devoted
his energies to improving the financial part of the Society's
work chiefly, and acted as Secretary for a short period,
being elected yearly to that position at the same time as
other members of the Committee.
Amongst those members who have done yeoman
service for the Society in days gone by must be reckoned
Mr. Thomas Entwistle, a former Auditor of the Society.
It was in 1866 that he was elected as one of the Auditors,
460 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
which position he maintained until June, 1886. During
these twenty years his efforts were directed mainly towards
improving the financial arrangements of the Society. He
always took a great interest in its work and progress, and
was a frequent attender at the Monthly Meetings. He
certainly left his mark in the financial arrangements made
in the early days, and much of the improved bookkeeping
methods and general business methods were the result of
representations made by him. Finance was his forte.
Mr. James Crook was a former Chairman of the
Grocery Committee. The increasing growth of our Society
demanded great care and watchfulness on the part of the
Committee of Management, and the duty of directing the
deliberations of the various Sub-Committees, where the
real work of the Society was carried out, was one of great
importance. Mr. Crook had an intimate knowledge of the
work of the Society in its early days, for in 1881 he was
elected one of the Auditors, and held that responsible
position until December, 1886, when it was decided to have
the accounts audited by public auditors, and Messrs. P. and
J. Kevan were appointed Auditors of the Society. For a
short time Mr. Crook had an interval of rest, but in
February, 1889, he was elected a member of the Committee
of Management, being re-elected in 1890 and 1891. He
completed his three years' service in February, 1892, and
by the rules of the Society was ineligible for re-election for
a period of twelve months. During his term of service he
filled the office of Chairman of the Finance Committee, in
which position the knowledge he acquired as an auditor
proved of great help to him ; and in 1891 he had the honour
of directing the deliberations of the Grocery Committee.
Mr. Crook, in addition to the many services he rendered to
the Co-operative movement in Bolton, also laboured to
extend its usefulness in the surrounding districts, and was
one of the Executive Committee of the Bolton District
Co-operative Association.
Mr. John Worsley, J.P., joined the Society in April,
1866, and thus he has been a member for more than a
Mr. JAMES CROOK,
/?\ A lormcy Auditor.
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 463
quarter of a century. Before then he had some experience
of the Society and its benefits, for he partook of its
advantages as the son of a member, and shared some of its
disadvantages in having to wait his turn, and then carry
the family grocery from the only Store in Little Bolton,
viz.. Manor Street. In 1880 Mr. Worsley was elected a
member of the Educational Committee to fiU an extra-
ordinary vacancy for nine months ; and at the Quarterly
Meeting in April he failed to secure re-election, losing his
seat by one vote. Six months afterwards, in January,
1882, he was again elected on the Educational Committee,
and entered heartily into its work, serving on the Library
Committee and on the Evening Classes (Science) Committee,
in the work of which he took a very great interest. He
also held the position of Chairman of the Committee, and
was elected to represent the Educational Department at
the Annual Co-operative Congress held at Derby in 1884.
In January, 1885, he resigned his seat on the Educational
Committee, owing to his election on the Committee of
Management. As a member of the General Committee he
devoted his energies almost exclusively to the Finance and
Grocery Sub-Committees, and he held the position of Chair-
man on both these Committees. After serving four years
on the Committee of Management he had to retire owing to
the new rule as to three years' service coming into force.
He was again elected at the end of twelve months to the
position which he occupied on the Committee in 1891.
During his connection with the Society Mr. Worsley has
represented it on many occasions at trade and other meet-
ings, and has served on the Board of the Bolton District
Co-operative Association. We must not omit to notice that
Mr. Worsley is an authority on the value of property, and
has been very useful in choosing sites for shops, and in
money matters generally. Having had a long experience
in the management of cottage property, he was enabled
to give advice to all intending purchasers, and was always
willing to give assistance in these matters, for he behoved
that it was to the interest of every working man to own the
house in which he hved. Though Mr. Worsley is considered
rough in speech, yet he has a kindly disposition, and is a
464 History of the Great and Little Bolton
thorough business man, regular and punctual in his habits,
and one of whom it may be said that he has the interest of
the Bolton Co-operative Society at heart. Mr. Worsley
was elected as a Justice of the Peace on August loth, 1893.
Mr. Oswald Rothwell, member of the Committee of
Management, will need no introduction to the members.
Through his long connection with the Society he has been
looked upon as part of the institution itself, and his genial
face is greatly missed by those who patronised his
shop. Mr. Rothwell is a very old member of the Society,
having joined in 1867. He became an employe in
January, 1869, as an assistant in the Provision Depart-
ment. On the resignation of Mr. Joseph Hejrworth as
shopman of the Daubhill Branch, Mr. RothweU was
appointed to succeed him, and for five years successfully
managed this shop. The conditions of service for the
employes were not as bright then as they are to-day. When he
started the shops kept open until 10-30 p.m. on a Saturday
night, and then the cash takings had to be brought down to
Bridge Street before he was at liberty to go home. The
Society only possessed three shops then besides the Central,
which was not as large as it is to-day, and there was only one
horse in use, and not full work for it. To-day there are
ninety-five horses regularly employed in the business of the
Society. Mr. Rothwell was appointed to the position of
head shopman of the Provision Department in 1874,
retaining that post for thirty-one years. In February,
1906, he was nominated for a seat on the Committee of
Management, and was returned at the head of the poll. In
this Mr. Rothwell is to be congratulated, for it is only on
rare occasions that a former employe obtains a seat on the
Committee of Management. He still holds this position,
and has seen four years' service. He was an employe for
thirty-seven years in all.
Mr. Jonathan Fishwick, a former President of the
Society from 1871 to 1872, served the Society at a time
when it required no little personal courage to do so, and
when it was not considered an honour to belong to this
Co-operative Society Limited. 465
despised movement. Honest Jonathan was ever a
strenuous advocate of Co-operation, and did yeoman service
in connection therewith in the early days of the movement.
Mr. Fishwick was born in Bolton in May, 1832. He took
an active part in the Co-operative movement, and in 1862
was elected on the Board of Managem.ent of the Bolton
Co-operative Society, in which capacity he served for
several years. He was twice appointed to represent his
fellow-Directors upon the Board of Management of the
Wholesale Society at Manchester, being first elected in 1871.
He was twice elected President of the Bolton Society, and
in 1873 he was elected to represent it at the Co-operative
Congress at Newcastle.
Mr. Fishwick was one of the founders of the National
Union of Life Assurance Agents, his name standing No. 5
on the origirial list of members of the Bolton Branch, which
was the first branch, and the one from which the Union
originated. His stalwart and earnest advocacy of trade
unionism, his example of fearlessness, and his loyalty to
friends in need won for him the profound love and admira-
tion of those who were closely associated with him. He
was the principal founder of the Assurance Agents' Chronicle
and largest monetary proprietor of the company that owns
it. He has gone, having expired on March 21st, 1908, but
his work remains, to be perpetuated for the betterment of
his class.
Mr. John Horrocks, a former Chairman of the Finance
Committee, joined the Society in January, 1870, therefore
having been a member of the Society for nearly forty years.
Since becoming a member Mr. Horrocks has been a consis-
tent Co-operator, and has taken a great interest in the work
of the Society by attending its business meetings and other-
wise. At the Quarterly Meeting in August, 1889, he was
elected on the Board of Management, and re-elected iil
1890 and 1891, and thus entered upon his third or last year
in which he could hold his position owing to the rulfes of
the Society. As a member of the General Committee he
has held the office of Secretary to the Grocery Committee,
and was in 1891 Chairman of the Finance Committee. Mr,
FF
466 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Horrocks has also represented the Society at various trade
and other meetings, and was a member of the Bolton
District Co-operative Association, and still holds that
position. He has twice been elected a delegate to Con-
gresses held at Rochdale and Exeter. Mr. Horrocks was
appointed to purchase the site on which the Drapery
establishment now stands, and he succeeded in buying it
at the auction sale on the terms allowed by the Committee.
Mr. Samuel Taylor, a former President, joined the
Society about 1874, and his character soon displayed itself
in the intelligent manner in which he grasped the business
brought before the meetings of members. Mr. Taylor
occupied the position of President in the years 1887-8, and
the way in which he fulfilled the duties, both in Committee
and at the meetings of members, gained general esteem.
The deceased gentleman had on many occasions
represented the Society at important gatherings, including
two Annual Congresses — Leicester and Oldham — and was
frequently invited to speak at annual festivals, the last
engagement being for the Annual Tea Party at Heywood,
where he should have spoken along with the Bishop of
Manchester, but was precluded from attending by his sick-
ness, which terminated fatally. His last local appeai^ance
in the capacity of a public speaker was at a meeting and
free concert promoted by the Educational Committee in
the Large Hall on October 14th, 1891, when he gave a glow-
ing address on the growth of the Wholesale Society. For
a number of years Mr. Taylor had been the President of the
Rochdale Corn Mill Society, possessing the fullest confidence
of the shareholding Societies during the anxious period of
its, perhaps, most unfortunate history, when some serious
losses had been incurred. He was also a member of the
Central Co-operative Board, but this position he resigned
on his election to the Wholesale Board.
On September 5th, 1885, Mr. Taylor was elected to the
important position of a Director of the English Co-operative
Wholesale Society, a position which he held until his
decease. He had in turn served on the London Tea Com-
mittee, the Propaganda Committee, and the Shipping
Co-operative Society Limited. 467
Committee, of which latter he was Secretary. This latter
position involved frequent journeys to the home ports,
with occasional journeys across the North Sea, and, as he
was a poor sailor, these journeys were the reverse of trips
of pleasure.
At a special meeting of the Committee of the Bolton
Co-operative Society, held on January 15th, 1892 (called
for the purpose), the following resolution was passed
unanimously, with very feeling references by the President
and the whole of the Board : —
That this Committee tender to the widow and family of the late
Mr. Samuel Taylor their deep sympathy with them in the heavy loss
they have sustained by his decease, and fervently hope that Divine
Providence may guide, help, sustain, and render them every needful
consolation in their bereavement ; and further desire to place on
record their high appreciation of the valuable services Mr. Taylor
has so long and faithfully rendered to Co-operation generally and
to this Society in particular, both as a past member of the Committee
and as a former President of the Society.
It was also decided that the Board be represented at the
funeral. The mortal remains of the deceased were
conveyed to their last resting place at the Tonge Cemetery
on Saturday, January 19th, 1892, when one of the largest
assemblages of Co-operators and trade unionists for such
a purpose attended to pay their last tribute of respect
to their old fellow-worker and personal friend.
468 Great and. Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
CHAPTER LVI.
REPRESENTATIVES.
" One ploughs, another sows ;
Who will reap, no one knows."
The Jubilee President.
MR. WILLIAM YATES is the Chairman of the Com-
mittee of Management of the Society in its Jubilee
year. His parents have a membership record of
about forty years to their credit, and this membership has
not been a nominal one, but a real purchasing one.
Mr. Yates joined the Society over twenty-three years
ago, and has always taken an intelligent interest in its affairs,
its objects, and work. He has always been regular in his
attendance at meetings, and, although he never figures very
largely by joining aggressively in its discussions, yet to be
able to obtain a seat as a member of the Committee of
Management at the first attempt is no light accomplish-
ment in these days of fierce competition. He was first
elected on the General Board in 1902, re-elected two years
later, and the following year elected as President, when
Mr. Hilton resigned owing to the new rule passed that no
person should hold two offices at the same time in connection
with the Society.
Mr. Yates was elected for a second term in 1907, and
elected President in 1908 without opposition, an honour
which was again repeated in 1909, thus making him the
" Jubilee President." The educational side of the move-
ment also has his entire sympathy. In connection with the
trade union movement in our town, he has been a member
of the United Pattern-makers' Society over twenty-three
years, and has twice figured as Chairman of the Bolton
Branch, He was appointed the local branch representative
Mr. WILLIAM YATES
President of the Society.
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 471
to confer with the employers on the question of wages and
other matters requiring adjustment, and is at the present
time a Trustee of the branch.
In the religious life of the town Mr. Yates has been
connected with the Wesleyan Methodist Church from child-
hood, and for many years has been a local preacher and
teacher of the Men's Class, being still engaged in both
capacities. His best wish is that the celebration of the
Jubilee will add strength to the Society, and enable its
members to realise the greatness and usefulness of its work,
and, further, to understand more fully the world-wide
character of Co-operation. He usually conducts the
members' meetings in an admirable manner, and he is
greatly respected by all the members.
Mr. William Lander is, without doubt, the most
prominent local Co-operator in the movement. He has
had a more varied and general Co-operative business
experience than any other local man. At twenty-two Mr.
Lander first joined hands with the Co-operative movement,
and in three months was elected on the Educational Com-
mittee of the Bolton Society. From that start he filled
every office in turn, first upon the ordinary Committee,
then the Secretaryship, Treasurership, then as Chairman,
then President, then representative to the District Com-
mittee, Secretary and Chairman of that body, and
ultimately was sent to a seat on the Central Board. His
work in connection with the local Society is well known,
his membership in the Society dating from March, 1879,
and the ability he displayed in the various discussions in
these early days, gave abundant promise of a future career
of usefulness in the Co-operative movement.
Mr. Lander was one of the representatives of the Bolton
Co-operative Society on a Committee which was formed
under the presidency of the then Mayor (Alderman Fletcher)
to form Clubs to enable working men to visit the Indian
and Colonial Exhibition, which was held in London in 1886,
and was appointed, along with Mr. J. T. Fielding, J. P.,
and Mr. R. J. Hinnell (then Town Clerk), joint Honorary
472 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Secretaries for the working . out of the scheme. On the
occasion of Her Majesty's Jubilee (Queen Victoria) in 1887
a local Committee was formed to celebrate the event in a
fitting manner, upon which Mr. Lander and three or four
others from the Society were placed. He was afterwards
appointed on the Technical School Committee.
An extraordinary vacancy occurred on the Board of
Directors of our Society in November, 1888, which Mr.
Lander was elected to fill, and was re-elected at the Quarterly
Meeting in August, 1889, and again in August, 1890, after
a very keen contest.
During the time he held office on the Committee of
Management he filled the offices of Chairman of the Finance
Committee, Grocery Committee, and was Secretary of the
Drapery and Building Sub-Committees. His suitability
for secretarial work was fully recognised by his colleagues,
and they appointed him to act as Secretary to the General
Board during the changes which occurred consequent upon
the illness and subsequent resignation of the Manager (the
late Mr. Henry Gerrey).
In April, 1889, Mr. Lander was appointed the Society's
representative on the Executive Committee of the Bolton
District Association, and in March of the following year
undertook the duties of Secretary of that Association on
the lamented death of Mr. Charles Dennis. During the
year 1891 he served on the Productive Committee of the
United Board, and wrote and read papers on " Co-operative
Production " at various Conferences. He also took an
active interest in the formation of the Bolton Cabinet-
makers' Society, and is at all times willing to help on any
real attempt to solve the difficulties arising from capital
and labour by Co-operative effort.
His connection with the Wholesale dates from June,
1894. Comments on this were many at the time, and it
was generally admitted then that as a matter of fair
representation our Society should have had a seat on the
Board long before that, but there was no need to quibble
on that point, as Mr. Lander's merits and our claim were
so handsomely recognised in his election. In his capacity
Co-operative Society Limited. 473
of Director he has visited almost all the countries of Europe,
Australia, America, and Canada. At the period of the
reconstruction of the C.W.S. Committees Mr. Lander was
elected by his colleagues as Chairman of the Productive
Committee. His official work, therefore, brings him in
intimate touch with all the various factories, and the duties,
although onerous, are undoubtedly congenial to his tem-
perament. His knowledge of business, both outside and
in the C.W.S. , has fitted him to advise wisely in details of
organisation.
Mr. Lander's wide business experience has on many
occasions earned public recognition. He appeared as a
witness before the Royal Commission on Shop Hours ; he
was also upon the first Parliamentary Committee of the
Co-operative Wholesale Society, and his duties have brought
him into personal contact with many prominent statesmen.
The honour conferred upon Mr. Lander in appointing
him as President of the Preston Congress in 1907 is also
shared by the Bolton Society. It can only be looked upon
as some little reward for his long and strenuous advocacy
of Co-operation throughout the length and breadth of the
land. His weU-known abilities as a speaker are, in a con-
siderable measure, due to years of practice.
Contrary to the experience of the proverbial prophet,
Mr. Lander has honour in his own country, for in 1901 he
was elected to the Bolton Town Council, and retained his
seat upon that body untH November, 1907, declining
re-election on account of the pressure of Co-operative work
demanding all his time. He is, above aU, a man of the
people. One of the Committee formed to consider technical
education in Bolton, he worked at this side by side with the
late Mr. John Slagg, and eventually assisted in the formation
of the first Technical School in the town. In local govern-
ment he has always, however, rendered an active part,
being devoted chiefly to the educational side of municipal
enterprise. His public utterances have been mainly con-
fined to Co-operative topics, and he would find it difficult
to mention the Societies he has not visited. May the
Co-operative movement long retain the services of such
a worthy representative!
474 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Mr. William Artliur Hilton, a former President of
the Society, occupies the position of a Director of the
Co-operative Insurance Society, being elected in 1881. He
still enjoys the confidence of the various Societies that com-
prise that successful company, having been re-elected at
each election since that date. He has retained office for
twenty-eight years. On the alteration of the rules of the
Bolton Society coming into force which debarred any
member of the Committee from holding two offices at the
same time, Mr. Hilton gave up his ofificial local connection
and retained his seat on the Co-operative Insurance Board,
a position he still holds with fidelity. The Committee
and officials of the Bolton Society, to mark their apprecia-
tion of his twenty-one years' official life with the Society,
presented him, on March 2nd, 1905, with a very valuable
travelling bag, inscribed with their good wishes.
He was first elected a member of the Committee of
Maaagement in January, 1879, and had the honour of
getting what was then a big vote, viz., 120. He was
re-elected five years in succession. In 1885 he failed to
retain his seat, but in July of the same year Mr. Hilton was
again elected, and continued in office until July, 1888, when,
the new rule relating to three years' service having come
into operation, he was the first Director of the Society who
had to retire. In January, 1891, he was again elected, and
his colleagues recognised his worth by appointing him as
Chairman of the Drapery Committee, which supervised all
the Clothing Departments, an office he retained for one year.
After an interval of four years he was again elected as Presi-
dent of the Society at the Quarterly Meeting held in
February, 1897. It is thirty-nine years since Mr. Hilton
joined the Society, the date being November 12th, 1870.
He has represented the Society at many important
meetings, and has attended five Annual Congresses, to
three of which (Oxford, Plymouth, and Ipswich) he was
officially appointed, and he attended Carlisle and Oldham
in an unofficial capacity. Mr. Hilton strongly advocated
the formation of District Co-operative Associations, and
when one was formed for the Bolton District he was
Co-operative Society Limited, 475
appointed Statistical Secretary, which office he held for
two years, when he was elected Chairman of the Association
for a further two years. During this time Mr. Hilton
visited most of the Co-operative Societies in the district,
speaking at their annual parties and business meetings,
and at all times pressing upon them the importance of
educational work. In addition to the many British Con-
gresses he has attended, he was appointed to the Paris
International in 1897, and also to Buda Pest, in Hungary,
in September, 1904.
On the occasion of Mr. Hilton's fiftieth birthday, on
November 23rd, 1898, the Committee and officials, in
acknowledging his many services rendered for the Society,
made him a present of a reading lamp and walking stick,
and Mrs. Hilton an umbrella. On the opening of the
Restaurant in Bow Street on May 26th, 1900, Mr. Hilton
was presented with a silver-gilt key, as a memento of the
occasion, by Mr. Temperley, the Architect.
On February 27th, 1904, Mr. Hilton was honoured by
the Committee desiring him to re-open the reconstructed
Drapery building after it had been enlarged by the
addition of another workroom being put on the top. The
Mayor of Bolton (John Heywood, Esq.) was present on this
occasion, when Mr. J. B. Gass, on behalf of the architects,
presented to Mr. Hilton a large photograph of the building,
with a suitable frame and enclosed in a suitable case.
On the occasion of the election of February 5th, i8g8,
it was considered as the keenest-fought battle for the
Presidentship. Over 5,000 members voted. The result
was the highest number ever recorded for one man up to
the present time being gained by Mr. Hilton, whose
number was 2,638 for President.
Mr. John Wilfred Lawson represents the Society on
the Board of the Co-operative Newspaper Society, a position
he has retained for twelve years. He was elected on May
31st, 1897. Since he has been a member of this Board the
Mitigate Monthly and the paper for children. Our Circle,
476 History of the Great and Little Bolton
have been started, and a Process Blockmaking Department
inaugurated. This is the only Co-operative venture of its
kind, and has claims upon the movement as a whole.
Mr. Lawson's connection with the Society has been a
considerable one, and in its early days he used to have to
come down from Halliwell for groceries for home consump-
tion from the second shop, when it was opened in Bank
Street. There is no doubt that he has always been a quiet,
consistent worker, ready at all times to defend the policy
of the Society whenever such a course has been needed.
He certainly considered it to be one of the grandest things
ever started in Bolton. Mr. Lawson joined the Society on
his own account in 1880, and has, therefore, been a member
for twenty-nine years. During the time the business of
the Society was worked by Section Committees he was
appointed to hold the responsible office of Secretary to the
Grocery, Building, and Drapery Committees, and has been
officially connected with the Society since 1885, with the
exception of a very short period. As a member of the
Committee of Management he served six and a half years
on the Board, being elected in January, 1887, and re-elected
in 1888, and again in 1889. He completed the three years
allowed by rule in February, 1890, and so retired for a time,
but was again elected at the Annual Meeting held in
February, 1891, to fiU a vacancy caused by Mr. Lander being
elected as President of the Society. As this extraordinary
election was only for a period of six months, he was again
a candidate at the Quarterly Meeting held in August, 1891,
and was duly elected. Like many others, Mr. Lawson
commenced his Co-operative official career by becoming a
member of the Educational Board, for he was elected as
one of its members in April, 1885, and served for twelve
months. The educational side of the movement has
always had his chief sympathies, and he has been ever ready
to do what he could for the advancement of any part of the
Society's work.
Mr. Samuel Falrbrother is the representative of the
Society on the Board of the Co-operative Union, and comes
of an old Chartist stock, being born and nurtured in the
Co-operative Society Limited. 477
Co-operative movement. His connection personally with
this Society dates from 1881. He is one of those men
who find it difficult to say definitely when their interest
in Co-operation began, for his father took a lively interest
in the formation of a Society at Chorley.
Mr. Fairbrother was elected as a member of the Com-
mittee of Management in May, 1892, and saw eight or nine
years' service in connection therewith. When Mr. Lander
was appointed to the Directorate of the Co-operative
Wholesale Society, Mr. Fairbrother was appointed as
his successor on the Directorate of the Co-operative Union.
He represents the Bolton District on the North- Western
Section, and was appointed in 1895. Mr. Fairbrother held
the position of Chairman of the North-Western Section
in 1903 ; Chairman of the North-Western Section of the
Choral Association, an office which he has retained since
its inception seven years ago. At the present time he
is a member of the United Board, Chairman of the Office
Committee, Chairman of the Anti-Credit Committee,
member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which is
composed of members of the English Wholesale, the
Scottish Wholesale, and the Co-operative Union. He is
also a member of the Joint Propaganda Committee, which
is worked by the English Wholesale Society and the Co-
operative Union, and has served eight years on the
Boundaries Sub-Committee of the Co-operative Union,
which deals with all questions relating to the amalgamation
of Societies, overlapping, &c.
It was in 1900 that he represented the Union at the
Swiss Congress held at Berne, Switzerland, when he was
away a fortnight. He also attended the Trade Union
Congress held at Liverpool in a like capacity.
Mr. John Kirkman first joined the Society because of
its interest in the Cambridge Extension Scheme, which was
worked in connection with the Educational Committee, the
Winkworth, and the Thomasson families. They brought to
Bolton some of the finest lecturers of their day, and their
influence, and the fact that this Society was a worker
478 History of the Great and. Little Bolton
therein, caused Mr. Kirkman to join us. He comes of an
old Co-operative family, his father and others being among
the starters of the Bolton Friendly Co-operative Society in
1851, a prior organisation to our own. His father was also
prominently connected with the Corn Laws League, the
Chartists, and other movements of that time, which had for
their object the lifting of the working man.
One strong feature of Mr. Kirkman's work is an
endeavour to help forward the ideals of Co-operation, and
to spread its educational side. He is the representative
of the Society on the Board' of the Bolton Co-operative
Cabinet-makers' Society, and has served in that capacity
since February, 1905, being elected yearly since then with-
out opposition. Mr. Kirkman is generally prominent at
the members' meetings, and has been an active trade
unionist over forty years. He joined the Bolton Co-
operative Society thirty-four years ago, and since his election
on the Directorate of the Cabinet-makers' Society he has
been elected as Chairman of the Wage Board in connection
therewith.
Mr. Albert Hardcastle is the present representative
of the Society as a Director of the Co-operative Printing
Society. By virtue of his connection he has visited the
Branches in London and Newcastle, becoming acquainted
with and known by many Co-operators in the North and
South. He has retained this office eleven years. He joined
the Bolton Society about 1883, but beyond attending the
usual meetings he took no active part in its work. At the
request of his friends he allowed himself to be nominated
for a seat on the Educational Committee, and at
the Quarterly Meeting held in May, 1894, was elected.
He was elected on the Committee of Management in 1897,
and retained his seat for four years. As a trade unionist
he took a prominent part in the work of the Spinners'
Association during the time he remained a spinner.
Mr. Robert Howarth, having always taken a deep
interest in the Society's work, was asked by his friends if
he could accept nomination for a seat on the Educational
Co-operative Society Limited. 479
Committee, and at the Quarterly Meeting held on November
6th, 1893, he was elected a member of that Committee,
receiving 306 votes. He served in that capacity until
February, 1897, when he was elected a member of the
Committee of Management, a position which he held for
four years, his services terminating in 1901, when he had to
retire according to rule, he having completed his full allotted
time. At the expiration of twelve months he was again
elected for a further period of two years. In November,
1897, he was nominated as the Bolton Society's representa-
tive on the Directorate of the Sundries -Society and duly
elected, in which capacity he is still serving, having now
held the position twelve years. He has always used every
effort to further the cause of Co-operation, which he has so
much at heart.
Mr. Henry H. Brownlow was the first representative
of the Society on the Provisional Committee formed to
consider the question relating to the formation of the North-
western Co-operative Convalescent Homes Association,
and he served on the first Committee appointed. He
joined the Society in 1877, and at once began to take an
active interest in its work and progress. In 1896 Mr.
Brownlow was selected to represent the members as a
delegate to the Woolwich Congress, where his knowledge
of Co-operative work was largely extended. He was elected
as a member of the Committee of Management on February
5th, 1898, and has served eight years. It is interesting to
record the number of votes received by Mr. Brownlow as a
comparison with what ruled in the early days when forty
votes were deemed sufficient to secure election. On
election to his first term of office he received 1,293 votes.
After two years' service he was re-elected by 1,609 votes, or
316 votes more than he first received. This occurred on
March 3rd, 1900, and Mr. Brownlow finished his term of
service in March, 1902. He was again elected in 1904 by
1,704 votes, and yet again in 1906 by 1,206 votes. He
finished his appointed time in 1908, and has been a member
of the Society thirty-four years, and well remembers seeing
the second Store opened at the bottom of Manor Street,
480 History of the Great and Little Bolton
which is now part of the pawnshop there, being the second
shop from Brown Street. He saw the stuff brought there
in a handcart, and knew several of the members who
volunteered to serve at nights. He lived in Kay Street at
that time, and well remembers the people calling the venture
and predicting its failure. They were amused at a lot of
old men starting a big shop, and ah of them amateurs at
the business. People thought they were a little bit foolish
in putting their money in it, there being plenty of comment
at the time to the effect that the idea was only a dream.
Their programme'of what they were going to do was laughed
at, but they were made of good stuff, and they braved it
out. It was usual then for everybody to shop from week
to week, as they never thought of paying ready money,
and it was said, " Th' Co-op. '11 ha' strap, too, or they
cawn't live." Time has, however, worked our movement
up to the huge and grand success which we see reflected in
every part of our good old town.
Mr. James Monks is the present Secretary of the
Bolton District Co-operative Association. He was
appointed to that position in July, 1907, and has, therefore,
served two years. He has also seen considerable Co-opera-
tive service, having been elected and served on both the
Educational Committee and the Committee of Management.
His first election as a member of the Educational Com-
mittee took place at the Quarterly Meeting held on March
4th, igoi, to fill an extraordinary vacancy caused by the
election of two members on the Committee of Management.
This was Mr. Monks' first introduction to Co-operative
official life, and he retained office for four years on the
Educational Committee, during which time he acted as
Treasurer for a period of twelve months, and Chairman for
eighteen months.
His next appointment was to the Committee of Manage-
ment in March, 1905, of which he was a member two years.
He went to the Stratford Congress in 1904, and also served
on the Revision of Rules Committee as the Educational
Committee's representative.
Co-operative Society Limited. 481
Mr. John Thomas Selkirk has been a member of this
Society for twenty-five years, having joined in October,
1884. He is very regular in attendance at the meetings,
and is a frequent speaker there, particularly on matters
relating to the practical and ideal side, in preference to the
financial.
Mr. Selkirk was appointed as representative on the
Convalescent Homes Association in December, 1907. There
are 186 shareholding Societies in • connection with this
Association, and while we nominate a person as representa-
tive, it is by the vote of the shareholding Societies that he
is elected for service on the Board.
Mr. Selkirk is keen on convalescent work, and it is safe
to say that he has their welfare fully at heart.
Mr. William Forber, J.P., was elected to the Committee
of Management this year for the second time by a record
Jubilee vote of 2,428. So far, this is the highest number
ever polled in favour of any candidate for the Committee.
At his first election for service on the Committee in
February, 1903, he obtained his seat by 1,323 votes.
Mr. Forber has been a member of the Society since 1886,
and from the first has taken an active part in the members'
meetings, having attended them with great regularity. He
was appointed as one of the delegates to the Congress held
at Doncaster in 1903.
On the nomination of the United Trades Council and
the Bolton Co-operative Society, Mr. Forber was appointed
as a Justice of the Peace in December, 1906. His appoint-
ment was made by Sir Henry Fowler, Chancellor of the
Duchy of Lancaster.
In the religious world he has been an equally active
worker, having been a member of the Wesleyan Methodist
Church for thirty-one years, and a local preacher in
association with that body for twenty-five years. He has
also been very active in connection with the P.S.A. move-
ment, and still devotes his energies to help forward this good
work.
GO
482 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Mr. Thomas Dobson, the present Chairman of the
Educational Committee, was first elected a member of this
Committee in September, 1906. Though he has only of
late years come forward in any official position in the
movement, he has for a considerable time been a close
student in social and literary subjects.
In connection with the trade union movement Mr.
Dobson was one of the pioneers of the Refuge Assurance
Agents' Union, and was unanimously elected its first
President, which position he still continues to hold. He
has also taken considerable interest in the establishment
of the National Federation of Life Assurance Agents'
Unions, and is on the Executive Council as the representa-
tive of his own Society. Mr. Dobson, being stiU young, is
looking forward to many years' service in the Co-operative
world. He took a prominent part in the establishment of
the Co-operative Scholarship Scheme in its initial stages,
and was largely instrumental in its formation.
He was prominent also in the arranging of the Victoria
Hall Lectures, which have been so successful, and also the
Employes' Classes. Mr. Dobson was on the University
Extension Lecture Committee as representative of the
Educational Committee last year.
Mr. William J. Bradley, a recent President of the
Society, has been a member for about nineteen years. He
belongs to a family of Co-operators, his mother having been
a member from soon after the commencement of the Society.
In his early days he got a good Co-operative training, as he
lived on the spot where now stands our Central Boot and
Shoe Shop, so that he has naturally taken an interest in
the affairs of the Society, and on being made a member
attended its business meetings regularly.
He was for four years a member of the Educational
Committee, and for two years of this period was Chairman
of the department.
On the expiration of his term he was elected for two
years on the Committee of Management, and at the election
of March 5th, 1906, was returned at the head of the poll to
Co-operative Society Limited. 483
the highest position the Society has to offer, namely, the
position of its President, which he held for two years,
retiring on the time limit rule. Like several of his prede-
cessors, Mr. Bradley attained the Presidency whilst com-
paratively young. He has served the members in other
ways, as he was twice their representative on the Special
Committee formed for the revision of the rules in 1904 and
1908. He was instrumental, amongst others, in starting
the Co-operative Debating Society, being its first President,
and also a subsequent President. He represented the
Society at the Paisley Congress, and was a member of the
Reception Committee of the Preston Congress. He also
represented the members at the International Congress
held at Cremona, Italy.
484 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
CHAPTER LVII.
OFFICIALS.
" We are they who will not falter,
Many swords or few,
Till we make this earth the altar
Of a worship new.
" We are those who will not take
From prelate, priest, or code
A nearer law than brotherhood,
A higher law than good."
— Edwin Arnold.
MR. JOSEPH POMFRET (Manager of the Society)
left the Bolton Grammar School to commence work
as a check lad in the Central Grocery Store on
November 19th, 1875. He well remembers this appoint-
ment as a striking difference between the way employes
were obtained then in comparison with the conditions
ruling now. To-day any little opening is competed for by
scores. Then, the head shopman in the Central Grocery
Stores was instructed to look out for a likely lad, and send
him to see the Manager. His choice feU on Mr. Pomfret,
who was asked to see Mr. Gerrey, who promptly engaged
him on the spot as check lad.
In course of time he was moved behind the counter of
the Central Grocery Department, and also served a short
term in the Central Provision Department, seeing two years'
service in all at counter work. He was transferred for a
short period to the Newport Street Store, which is now given
up and the business transferred to Burns Street, and then
was promoted into the warehouse office in 1877.
In this position he developed such qualities as to cause
rapid promotion, so that in three years he had risen to the
highest position in this department, being appointed head
Mr. JOSEPH POMFRET,
General Manager. ■
'^
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 487
clerk in 1880. For about fourteen years Mr. Pomfret held
this important office with credit to himself and satisfaction
to all.
In the early part of that appointment he had many
opportunities of getting a knowledge of the trade of the
Society and an insight into details which is of the greatest
possible service to him in the exalted position he now
occupies. Owing to the illness and consequent weakness of
Mr. Gerrey in his later days of service as Manager for the
Society, Mr. Pomfret on many occasions acted as his deputy
in the buying of the needed commodities.
He was appointed to fill the post of Secretary to the
Society in 1894, performing the duties appertaining to this
arduous and important position so well that he was further
appointed to the position of General Manager on the death
of Mr. Hackney in 1905, thus reaching the highest position
the Society could confer on him as an employe.
Mr. Pomfret has represented the Society at the following
Congresses : — Cardiff, Middlesbrough, Exeter, Doncaster,
Stratford, and Preston. He is a member of the Board of
Directors of the Burnley Self-Help Manufacturing Society.
He is a member of the North-Western Section of the
Grocery Managers' Association, and was elected on the
Committee of that Association last year.
Mr. Pomfret is the representative of the Society on the
Bolton Chamber of Commerce, having been appointed some
three years ago.
During his term of office as Secretary of the Society he
was largely instrumental in bringing about the change in
the check system which had the effect of dispensing with the
pound copper checks in favour of the paper checks at present
in use, and on which the amounts are totalled and carried
forward from sheet to sheet at the end of the quarter. The
alteration so simplified the check system as to make it
possible to take in checks at the: whole of the Branches, and
so bring about the desired relief at the Central.
488 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
Mr. Pomfret also was greatly in evidence in connection
with the change of the balance sheet, formerly issued from
quarter to quarter, being revised and issued half yearly.
The volume of work had become so great that the abolition
of the old system was an imperative necessity. This change
has been so worked that it is safe to say that few members,
except those who attend the meetings regularly, are aware
of it, as the checks are brought in and the dividend credited
quarterly as before.
For over thirty years Mr. Pomfret has been a regular
attender at St. James' Church, Breightmet, and for years
was a teacher in the school connected therewith. He also
acted as Superintendent of the Sunday School for a few
years, and is now a sidesman of the church, having also filled
the office of churchwarden.
Since Mr. Pomfret has been Manager of the Society the
business has gro^vn very considerably, and the stock in
trade handled has become so varied and numerous that the
wants of the members can be catered for to any extent.
Still the cry is for more, more business being still a
desideratum to carry on the Society to yet greater achieve-
ments. It is to the purchasing members that the advance
of this concern must largely look, and it. is only necessary
that their great wants should be weU known for them to be
fully met. Our Manager is greatly desirous that the sales
should top the million mark, and he is keenly looking to aU
to help in attaining that object. Very little increase in the
average purchases per member is necessary to bring this
about, and if loyalty to the Store be practised to the fuUest
possible extent it wiU soon be realised. The amount of
annual sales is getting near the mark now.
" A good Secretary is as the keeper of the King's conscience,
since he keeps the conscience of the Society. He usually knows
what it ought to do, and always knows financially what it can do."
Mr. William Bentley, A.C.I.S., the present Secretary
of the Bolton Society, was appointed to this important
position on December ist, 1905.
^■Wv^^7^',"i^st^
Mr. WM. BENTLEY, a.c.i.s.,
General Secretary .
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 491
He entered the service of the Society in April, 1888, and
has now, therefore, reached his majority in connection
therewith, having served 21 year.s.
Commencing on the lowest rung of the ladder, he has
passed from stage to stage through the entire office, and
has reached the top at an early age.
In i8g8 he was appointed senior clerk in the Secretary's
Office and the Building Department.
There is no doubt that the course of study that Mr.
Bentley has been pursuing for years, together with his
position gained as a teacher in bookkeeping, has in a great
measure helped to fully qualify him for the position he now
holds with credit to himself and to the Society generally.
It was in 1896 that Mr. Bentley began teaching under
the auspices of the Educational Committee of this Society,
ultimately becoming transferred, together with his classes,
to the Bolton Technical School in 1900. Here he taught
commercial subjects, and the successes of his pupils were
very striking, as was shown by the fact that in one year at
the bookkeeping examination held by the Lancashire arid
Cheshire Union of Institutes his students captured the two
highest positions out of 3,500 candidates, whilst on anothpr
occasion they secured the second, third, and fourth places
amongst others. His percentage of passes was also
remarkable, reaching as high as 98 per cent, viz., 37 pgr
cent first-class, 39 per cent second-class,, and 22 per cent
third-class.
In considering Mr. Bentley' s own personal successes we
find that he holds the following diplomas, viz. : — First-class
(Advanced), National Union of Teachers ; Associate of
the Chartered Institute of Secretaries, Member of the
Corporation of Accountants, and Fellow of the Society of
Commerce.
In February, 1903, Mr. Bentley was elected an Associate
of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries. He has also acted
as Secretary and Treasurer in connection with religious and
philanthropic institutions of this district, being now
Honorary Treasurer of the Playing Fields Society. He is
492 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
also deeply interested in and assisted to form the Co-
operative Secretaries' Association Limited, being on the
General Council, and has .undertaken the onerous duties of
Honorary Treasurer since its inception.
As Secretary of the Bolton Co-operative Society he has
now financial oversight of a Society whose share capital and
annual turnover are £733,936 and over £900,000 respectively,
as well as one of if not the largest Cottage Building Depart-
ment in connection with the Co-operative movement.
Mr. William Sheppard, Cashier of the Society, joined
its service in February, 1884, as a check clerk, some 25 years
ago. During his period of service he has worked on the
members' ledgers as a counter clerk, and in May, 1898, was
appointed to take charge of the tradesmen's ledger.
On the death of Mr. Charles Ditchfield (the former
Cashier) Mr. Sheppard was appointed to fill his place on
March 28th, 1901. He is a quiet, consistent worker, and
fully deserves aJl the confidence and esteem which is so freely
accorded to him.
At the time Mr. Sheppard commenced to work for the
Society there were only ten clerks employed to transact its
business ; now there are 44 needed to deal with its growing
trade, including the warehouse of&ce staff. When he was
appointed as Cashier the cash turnover in 1884 was £709,941,
and the number of members 11,238 ; now, in 1909, it is
£900,000, and the number of members 35,660.
Prior to joining the Society on his own account Mr.
Sheppard was indirectly interested in Co-operation through
his father, Mr. WUliam Sheppard, who served on the
Committee of Management from July, 1869, to November,
1878. At this time the oversight of the shops was placed in
the hands of a member of the Management Committee, and
Mr. Sheppard, senior, acted as Inspector of the Newport
Street Branch before it was given up and the business trans-
ferred to Burns Street. The volume of cash passing through
Mri Sheppard's hands is now very great, and the duties and
responsibilities connected therewith make this post no
Mr. WILLIAM SHEPPARD, \
Cashier of the Society
s Z""^ ^ -Tr'«fiXKZ5:^SWa**0!»a5!^
}:i& iJL;^ <J>~^
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 495
sinecure. Still, he is conscientious in the discharge of every
duty, and of him it may be safely said he is the right man in
the right place.
Mr, John Carr (Shop Inspector) has had a very varied
experience of Co-operative work in connection with the
Society, his first recollections dating back to the time when
as a lad he waited his turn to be served at the Little Bolton
Store in Manor Street. About thirty-five years ago Mr.
Carr joined the Society on his own account, and in the
year 1880 was elected a member of the Educational Com-
mittee, where his abilities were recognised by his being
appointed, on the retirement of Mr. Edward Grime, to the
position of Secretary to the Evening Classes Committee ;
and in 1881 to the position of Chairman. During the time
he held this position the Bark Street premises were erected,
and he was frequently consulted as to the arrangements
of the various rooms now used by the Educational Depart-
;ment on the top floor at Bark Street. He took great interest
,in the work of the Library, and arranged the catalogue for
the same which was published in April, 1881. In July, 1882,
Mr. Carr was elected to fill a vacancy on the Board of
Management, and was re-elected year by year till 1886,
when at the annual meeting he was elected President of
the Society, a position which he held for one year and nine
months, when he resigned the post on being appointed
Shop Inspector. While serving on the Committee of
Management he was called upon to fill many important posts.
He was elected a member of the Central Board, and in that
capacity attended the Annual Co-operative Congresses
held at Plymouth and Carlisle ; he was also a member of
the United Board, and a member of the Productive Com-
mittee of the same. Mr. Carr represented the Society at
the Annual Congress held at Derby in 1881, and has also
represented the Society on many other occasions. The
position he now holds is a very important one, and includes,
besides inspecting the shop premises and collecting the cash,
the supervision of the cottage property of the Society
and attending to all repairs and alterations of shop premises.
To this position Mr. Carr was appointed on October 15th,
496 History of the Great and Little Bolton
1888. Mr. Carr has just completed twenty-one years'
service as Shop Inspector.
Mr, James Wallbank (Assistant Shop Inspector and
Cash Collector) was appointed in April, 1901. His connec-
tion with Co-operation began with the Eagley Society, which
he joined in 1875. A year later he was elected on the
Committee, and often used to help the shopmen on busy
nights at the Dunscar Branch. He was at that time
employed as a bleacher at Dunscar Bleachworks, and had
been trained for that work from a boy. In the year 1877 he
was offered the position of shopman to the late Egerton
Grocery Company, and, after serious consideration, accepted
that offer, leaving the bleaching trade for Co-operative
employment, a position which he retained for two and a
half years before commencing to work for this Society as
second hand at Burns Street Store. After a short service
there he was appointed as head shopman at Brownlow Fold.
Mr. Wallbank has also filled similar positions at HaUiweU
Road and Derby Street Stores, before beiiig removed to
take charge of the Astley Bridge Branch, which at the time
of his appointment was doing the largest business, a trade
of about £22,000 a year. He saw twenty-one years' service
as Branch Manager before being appointed as Assistant
Shop Inspector. He was also one of the prime movers in
connection with the formation of the Bolton Co-operative
Employes' Sick and Benefit Association, and also the
Amalgamated Union of Co-operative Employes, having
served as Chairman of both. In his present work for the
Society it has not all been plain sailing, for Mr. WaUbank
has met with accidents on four different occasions when
out on its business.
Mr. Jonathan Cox is the present Manager of our large
and important Drapery Department. He joined the
Society in 1877 as assistant, when the Drapery Department
was at the corner of Bridge Street and Bow Street. Mr. Cox
was appointed Manager and Buyer in 1888. Since that time
this department has made steady and continued progress.
Co-operative Society Limited. 497
many other minor departments having been added, and all
considerably extended and augmented, as the sales prove.
In 1887 the amount received was ^^37,215, and it has now
risen to about £73,000. In the early days of his appoint-
ment Mr. Cox voluntarily started and undertook the Shirt
and Underclothing Department, and for a considerable time
cut out all the goods himself. At the present time wages
alone are paid in this section of the work of close upon £600
per year. During the time the Drapery Department was
located at the Bridge Street and Bark Street premises the
spring and autumn shows of fashions were inaugurated,
the first few of these being held in the small room in Bark
Street now used as a Library by the Educational Depart-
ment. This is a striking contrast to the handsome special
showroom in St. George's Road, and which now not only
attracts thousands of our own members and townspeople,
but also brings customers from other towns far beyond the
Bolton district. Extension of the department becoming
necessary, the handsome and commodious block of new
buildings at the corner of St. George's Road and Bridge
Street were erected. When the removal into these was
effected in 1897 it seemed that these would be amply
sufficient for the trade for at least a generation, but they are
not by any means too large now. Unfortunately the
lamentable fire in June, 1902, brought about the destruction
of the building, and, after an experience which Mr. Cox and
those in charge of the various departments under him
would not like to face again, the present palatial establish-
ment was erected, and additional rooms added thereto,
until to-day it is looked upon as one of the finest drapery
establishments in the Co-operative movement. The number
of workers employed in this department at the present time
is 144, as compared with fifty when Mr. Cox took charge.
The Gentlemen's Outfitting Department, which is now
located in Bridge Street, and forming part of the Central
premises of the Society, was, up to the rebuilding of the
drapery establishment in 1902, part of those premises. The
business having largely developed, and space being required
for extending other sections, the Outfitting was removed
at that time, Mr. Cox still retaining the management.
HIT
498 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Mr. William Riley, the present Manager and Buyer
for the Butchering Department, joined the Society's
employ in November, 1877, just 32 years ago. He worked
at a number of the Branches, and, having gone through the
whole departments, is thoroughly competent to carry
through to success all the details of this business. Mr. Riley
was appointed as Manager of this department in October,
1900. Since he has taken charge the increase in the amount
of business has been considerable and well sustained.
When the Society first entered the Butchering trade
the business was worked at a loss, and for a time eventually
given up. It has had different Managers, with varying
results, but now the business is an undoubted success, as
the receipts prove. The Pork Butchering Department has
always been a popular one with the members, even from
the very beginning, when a pig per week sufficed to meet
their wants, and the carcase was cut up and sold through
the Grocery Department along with other commodities.
The average requirement of pigs weekly is now about forty.
There were only three butchers employed by the Society
when Mr. Riley started, and now forty are regularly
employed in its business. The number of cattle required
at the start was about six weekly, and sheep thirty to forty.
The average requirements now are : Bullocks and heifers,
forty weekly ; and sheep about 180.
Hides, skins, &c., add not a little to the general receipts,
and will probably run to about £100 weekly. The Butcher-
ing sales at the Central and twenty Branches in the year
1901 were £51,302, and the Jubilee year (1909) the business
premises had increased to Central and thirty Branches^
which were doing a trade of something like £65,000
annually.
One of the recent additions to the department is an ice-
making plant for the butchers' own use. This is of modern
construction, electrically driven by motor. Although the
plant has been enlarged and adapted for ice making, the cost
of working has not increased thereby, but has brought
about a saving of about £80 annually to the Society by its
adoption. While it is quite possible to produce a ton of ice
Co-operative Society Limited. 499
daily, only about half that amount is needed, and the chill
room requirements are, therefore, very easily met. To suit
this the rooms have practically been rearranged. The
ice store is arctic in its temperature, and accommodates
some eighty tons annually.
Although comparatively young, Mr. Riley brings
coolness and keen judgment to bear in this business, and
certainly deserves all the credit for the success obtained
so far.
Mr. Walter E. Mercer is the present Manager of the
Tailoring Department, and has had considerable Co-opera-
tive experience.
He is a native of Northwich, Cheshire, where he served
his apprenticeship to the practical side of the tailoring
business. When quite a young man he went to work at
the old city of Chester, and from thence to Liverpool.
From here he went into Shropshire, where for several years
he gained experience in the production of hunting and
livery garments.
Having been fortunate in working for a good class
tailoring trade at a time when hand labour was the only
means employed in these circles, we conclude that it must
have been ambition which prompted him at that early
stage of his apprenticeship to study the trade cutting
journals, and take steps to master the cutting-out of all
classes of garments.
Mr. Mercer's first Co-operative engagement was by the
Crewe Society, where he worked for four years as assistant
cutter, and left to take charge as Manager of the Colne
Tailoring Department. He only stayed here three and a
half years, yet in that time he succeeded in increasing his
trade more than four times over, and attaining next to the
highest average trade per member in the East Lancashire
Section.
Mr. Mercer's next move was to Bury, a Society of 11,000
members then, and here he again had a marked success, for,
notwithstanding the engineers' lockout at that period, he
500 History of the Great and Little Bolton
established a record for the amount of trade done by the
Society in his department during its existence.
Mr. Mercer was appointed as the Manager of this depart-
ment in 1898, taking over a trade of ;fi3,548, with a stock
of £8,131. For the first half of the present year the trade
done was £14,058, with a stock at the June stocktaking of
only £2,726, giving £400 more trade for the half year of 1909
than the whole of the year 1897, on a stock held of little more
than one-third. During the whole of the time this depart-
ment has been under the present management we have
always been able to notice a surplus profit above the
divid nd. It is a pleasure to us to be able to record such
a success.
Mr. John Slater, the present Manager of the Hat and
Cap Department, has seen twenty-seven years' service with
the Society. When this section of the business was opened,
in March, 1882, Mr. Slater was appointed as Manager. He
has had a long experience of this trade, and served with
some of the best known firms in Manchester.
When business commenced in a smaU way in the shop
now used for the Confectionery Department, he opened the
shop with the assistance of a lad. The business has grown
so much that the services of three salesmen and a lad
assistant are fully needed, besides those of Mr. Slater him-
self. During the first year the takings were £1,248, and at
present a trade is done of £5,460 annually, with every
prospect of an increase on these figures.
The great development of the cap trade has done a great
deal to injure the felt hat trade, with the result that, while
more actual business is done, the actual takings are compara-
tively less. It is no uncommon occurrence for from 800 to
1,000 customers to be served on a busy Saturday, and if
many of these could come in the week time they could be
dealt with to better advantage to themselves. Hats can be
sent to the Branch nearest to the customer's dwelling.
Two extra assistants are needed on a Saturday afternoon
and evening when the busy season is on, usually from about
Easter to August.
Co-operative Society Limited. 501
The shop at present in use was opened in 1897, and was
considered more than was necessary for the trade at the
time. While it represented a great development on the
former conditions ruling, it will again be too small if the
business increase continues.
Mr. Fred Hampson, the present Manager of the Boot
and Shoe Department, was engaged as a shop boy in
September, 1881, and passed through the various grades of
the business until the retirement of Mr. ' Balshaw, the
former Manager, in March, 1892, when he was appointed
Manager in his place. During the period Mr. Hampson has
had charge a steady increase in the business has taken place.
At the time of his appointment there were four Branch
shops besides the Central shop, and the receipts were about
£20,000 per annum. We have at the present time thirteen
shops doing a trade of over £40,000 per annum.
Five years ago the Repairing Department was re-
organised, and boot-stitching and finishing machinery
introduced. During the last five years the repairing trade
has doubled, and can still be extended. This department
handles about 2,000 pairs of boots per week, besides making
bespoke and men's working boots.
Clog making and repairing is also on an extensive scale,
an average of about 350 pairs of new clogs being made,
and 4,500 pairs per week reclogged and re-ironed. Under
Mr. Hampson's supervision there are 98 men employed in
productive labour. Although of a retiring disposition, Mr.
Hampson does everything possible to advance the interests
of his department.
Mr. Joseph Hardman is the present Manager of the
Jewellery and Optical Department. He was one of the
first .employes engaged by the Society when this depart-
ment was opened in October, 1897, and was placed in
charge under Mr. Hilton, who then held the position of
Manager of the Furnishing Department. Mr. Hardman's
former occupation as a practical watchmaker and jeweller
502 History of the Great and Little Bolton
amply fitted him for this position. When Mr. Hilton left
the employ of the Society it was decided that the depart-
ments should be separated, and Mr. Hardman was appointed
to fuU charge, a position which he has since filled with
entire satisfaction. The department was somewhat handi-
capped at first owing to the windows not being quite suitable
to the display of goods. When the window extension was
carried out, thereby making it into a single one, and more
suitable for display purposes, a better range of goods could
be shown, and a marked improvement in trade was the
result.
The Optical Department has developed wonderfully, and
could be further extended under more suitable conditions.
The turnover is a large one, considering the compara-
tively small stock carried — in fact, the stock may be said to
be turned over about twice in the year. A general steady
increase can be recorded as due somewhat to the fact that
Mr. Hardman is in close touch with the members and their
requirements personally, and can, therefore, meet their
wants and wishes at the lowest price possible that is con-
sistent with the quality of the article dealt in. The watch
repairs alone run from fifty to seventy weekly, and miscel-
laneous jewellery repairs from loo to 150. Electro-plating
is also taken in hand, and the business of the department
shows a steady increase. When Mr. Hardman was appointed
as Manager on October i8th, 1905, the receipts for the half
year June to December, 1905, were £1,507. The receipts
at the present time are much greater, those from June to
December, 1909, being £2,401, an increase of nearly £1,000
for the half year. Although this is not a large department
as yet, its growth has been consistent, and its Manager
endeavours above everything to give satisfaction to the
customers in every way possible.
Mr. Henry Bray, Manager of the Restaurant, came to
Bolton with a very good record. He is an English chef by
profession, having served his apprenticeship at South Sea
Beach Royal Mansions, Portsmouth, under Chef Simpson.
He served five years in charge of a large establishment in
Liverpool, was four and a half years at the Royal Hospital,
Co-operative Society Limited. 503
London, and was also for eight years the Manager of the
Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Cafe at Horwich.
Mr. Bray came to Bolton at the opening of the Co-
operative Restaurant in Bow Street, on June ist, 1900, and
it has ever since been a great success. There is no doubt
Mr. Bray has the interests of this department very much
at heart, and strives by every means to still further its
usefulness. At the present time the number of dinners
served daily between twelve and two is over 300, and on
holidays and football Saturdays as many as 1,500 people
are often attended to. The number of teas provided daily
ranges from seventy to 100. On Saturday evenings suppers
are usually served to about 300 persons. The Catering
Department is probably the largest and most successfully
managed business in lown, particularly for wedding and
funeral parties, refreshments, &c. Mr. Bray may well be
proud of the success of the Co-operative Restaurant,
especially seeing that it has no great and alluring entice-
ments displayed prominently outside to attract business,
nor a great amount of glass to entice customers therein.
From its position its success is all the more noticeable.
Mr. Joseph Ogden, head shopman at the Central Stores,
is the oldest servant of the Society, having been in its employ
for forty-three years. He first entered the employ of the
Society as a lad in the Central Grocery, Bridge Street, in
1866, and well remembers the time when supplies were
taken up to the Derby Street shop in a donkey-cart. After
serving at Newport Street and Derby Street shops as
second shopman he was appointed to take charge of the
Hibbert Street Store when it was opened in 1873, a position
he held with great satisfaction to both the members and
the Committee. It is generally acknowledged that the
Hibbert Street Branch has been one of the most successful
of any of the Society's Stores. Mr. Ogden served here
twenty-four years. In the early days of his employment
all the tea was mixed on the premises, packets ready put
up by machinery not being available then. It was also
usual to chop lump sugar with a hand machine, instead of
coming ready chopped, as is usual now. The Central
504 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Grocery then only had seven servants, and two of these
served in the evenings only. There are now thirteen
employes in this department. The hours were long, and
the shops kept open until 10-30 p.m. on Saturdays. The
butter as supplied then partially came in crocks, and was
very salty indeed — in fact, it required washing with clean
water to get the salt out before being quite fit for sale
purposes. Currants were also cleaned by hand, but they
are now done far better by machinery.
Mr. Ogden was appointed as head shopman at the Central
Grocery Store in 1897, some twelve years ago now. On
the resignation of Mr. Rothwell as head of the Provision
Department, the Grocery and Provision Departments were
combined, and the amalgamated business put under the
management of Mr. Ogden, starting from February 9th,
1906. Great changes have come over this trade of recent
years ; more articles are dealt in than formerly, and better
provisions made for a quicker service. The introduction of
the bacon and ham slicing machines marked an era in time
saving. The daily takings from this department constituted
a record for a Friday on October ist, 1909, when £202 was
received and 1,554 customers served. It may be of
interest to record the number of customers served that week :
Monday, 609 ; Tuesday, 743 ; Wednesday and Thursday,
1,483 ; Friday, 1,554 ; Saturday, 1,436 ; giving a total of
5,825.
During the long period Mr. Ogden has served the Society
he has had charge of many lads who are now holding
responsible positions, and who are a credit both to him and
to the Society.
Mr. Walter Murray, the present Manager of the
Furnishing Department, was appointed to that position
on July 31st, 1905. Mr. Murray has been in the service
of the Society for the past twenty-three years, commencing
as a boy in March, 1886. During the whole of his engage-
ment with the Society he has been a most valuable servant.
For a number of years he has been in charge of the shops on
the ground floor in Bridge Street, his chief work being to
Co-operative Society Limited. 505
attract customers by artistic display, which he has done
successfully. One of the indications of this is the interest
and care now taken by people in the furnishing of their
homes. That our furnishing displays are appreciated is
evident by the crowds of people usually seen frequenting
the windows, especially during the special displays which
are arranged to meet the wants of the members at festive
and other seasons. It is an encouragement to the manage-
ment and the whole staff when the members and their
friends inspect the showrooms of this department, which
are always replete with the season's goods. It is pleasing
to note from time to time that our Managers are fully
abreast of the times in matters of attractive advertisement.
Our Society has the largest turnover in the furniture trade
of any Society in the kingdom. The pottery trade has very
considerably developed under Mr. Murray, and is doing a
good business. In this connection it would be well to note
that the " Jubilee Pots," made by the C.W.S. and sold by
this department, were supplied as follows : — 5,028 mugs,
1,200 plates, 5,000 egg cups, and 864 jugs. Extensions are
mooted here, which will have for their object the provision
of furniture showrooms, which, when opened out, will be
among the finest in England.
The workshop has also been considerably developed of
late, and there are now two polishers, one cabinet-maker,
and three upholsterers constantly employed in doing a
steady repair trade, and producing special requirements.
Previous to this department coming under the present
Manager the sales in 1904 totalled £2,$,T.yj, and now the
department is doing a trade of over £32,792. In 1907 a
record week was established under ordinary trading con-
ditions. For the week ending December 12th, 1907, the
receipts were £1,216.
Mr. James M. Grindrod, Secretary and Librarian of
the Educational Department, springs from a family of
ardent Co-operators, his parents having been members of
this Society over forty years. His connection with this
5o6 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Society dates back to the time when there was only one
Store in Little Bolton District, and he had to walk from
HalliweU to Manor Street and assist in conveying home the
weekly stock of provisions. He took an active interest in
the Society's work, and attended its business meetings with
great regularity. In May, 1891, he was elected a member of
the Educational Committee, being placed second on the
poll. This position he occupied for three and a half years,
during part of which time the Committee in office then
showed their confidence in him by electing him Treasurer to
this department. After two and a half years' retirement
he again sought election on the Educational Committee,
and had no difficulty in obtaining a seat, which he held for
a period of four years, and during that time he was twice
elected by his colleagues as Chairman, a position he filled
with conspicuous ability. His whole efforts have been
spent in promoting the educational side of our work, and,
representing that department, he has had the privilege of
attending two of the Co-operative Annual Congresses, one
at Bristol and one at Middlesbro', and now annually
attends these as Secretary of the Educational Department.
He has twice attended the Annual Conference of the
Lancashire and Cheshire Institutes, and thereby improved
his knowledge of Evening Class education.
Mr. Grindrod's connection with the Co-operative
movement is not limited to our own Society ; he is well
known in all the educational circles within the movement,
and has acted as auditor to the Educational Committees
Association for the last sixteen years, a position which he
still occupies.
Mr. Grindrod was appointed as Secretary of the Educa-
tional Committee in January, 1902, and is still serving.
An Educational Department such as ours, which is now
assuming such large proportions, and the responsibility of
which increases year by year, requires as its permanent
head a strong man if it is to be successful. He also is the
representative of the Educational Committee on the Borough
Educational Committee, having served in that capacity
about five years, and is Editor of the " Record."
Co-operative Society Limited.
507
Mr. Alfred Hackney joined the Bolton Co-operati\'e
Society in July, 1870, and soon began to take an active part
in the Society's work. Like many of our active members,
he commenced his official career with the Educational
Committee, for in October, 1871, he was elected to a seat
on that Board. In January, 1874, Mr. Hackney was elected
a member of the Committee of iV'Ianagement, with which Com-
mittee he sat uninterruptedly from that time to his ap-
pointment
As a mem-
General
Mr. Alfred
represented
on many
andinApril,
was a p -
of the So-
gates to the
o p e ra t i V e
at Halifax.
1875, he
Hon. See-
the Society,
1877, when
had grown
extent as to
step neces-
appointed
Secretary,
nation of
in January
Mr. Alfred H.\ckney, J. P.,
[,alc Manager of the Society.
as Manager,
ber of the
Committee
Hackney
the Society
occasions,
1874, he
pointed one
ciety's dele-
Annual Co-
Co n g r e s s
In April,
was elected
r e t a r y to
and in May,
the work
to such an
render the
sary, he was
permanent
Ontheresig-
Mr. Gerrey
1890, Mr.
Hackney was further appointed to succeed him as General
Manager to the Society. As Secretary, Mr. Hackney had been
engaged in the effort s which were made to improve the position
and business of the Society, which efforts have resulted in its
rising from the fifth to the second place in the movement, and
having increased the receipts from £18,000 to £100,000 per
quarter. TheCottage Building Department, which was under
his especial charge from becoming permanent Secretary,
developed to a very considerable extent, and is still doing
5o8 History of the Great and Little Bolton
excellent work of a very beneficial character, no less than
£150,000 having been advanced to members for the pur-
chase of cottage property from that time up to i8go.
Mr. Hackney was one of the originators, in 1875, of the
Savings Bank, which had in 1890 7,800 depositors, and
which is doing a very good work amongst the children of
our members to-day. He took an active part in the arrange-
ments for the erection or opening of the following Branch
Stores : — Burns Street, Daubhill, Venture Street, Halliwell
Road, Pikes Lane, Victory, Vernon Street, Astley Bridge,
Darcy Lever, Haulgh, Folds Road, Moor Lane, and High
Street, the Bow Street extension of the Central premises.
Lark Street Stables, the Drapery Department (Bridge
Street), the Bakery (Kay Street), and the new additions in
Bridge Street to the Central Stores. He took very great
interest in the work connected with the Society, and always
strove to further its aims. As General Manager and Buyer
for the Grocery Department he had a new sphere for the
exercise of his abilities, and we find that he was as successful
in his new position as he had been in his former one.
Mr. Hackney died on November i8th, 1905. He had
been in failing health for some time, and on that account
retired from the position of Auditor to the Co-operative
Insurance Society. He practically died in harness, being
at his post until the evening of Thursday, November i6th,
thus being laid aside one day only. He saw thirty-five years
in connection with the Society, holding the office of Secretary
about fourteen years, and as General Manager fifteen years.
He was an able and genial official, and was very much
respected by all the employes.
Mr. Hackney was made a Justice of the Peace for the
borough in 1893. He was very considerate in all cases that
came before him, and his judgments were always charac-
terised by soundness, and at the same time largely tempered
with mercy. Letters of condolence were forwarded to Mrs.
Hackney and her son by the Committee of Management,
the Educational Committee, and the Buyers at Balloon
Street, Manchester, and a full representation of all the
institutions with which he was formerly attached was made
at his funeral.
Co-operative Society Limited. 509
Mr. Charles Ditchfield, late Secretary and Cashier
to the Society, was well known to the large number of our
members who are in the habit of transacting business in
the General Office. He entered the service of the Society
as a clerk in the month of July, 1866, and continued in that
capacity five years, until 1871, when he was appointed
Cashier, which office he held for nearly nineteen years,
when, on the appointment of Mr. Hackney to the position
of Manager, Mr. Ditchfield was chosen to fill the position
of Secretary and Cashier. The Society made great progress
during the time Mr. Ditchfield was connected with it, he
having seen the quarterly shop sales advance from £7,614
to £105,000, the roll of members increase from about 1,750
to 14,400, and the capital of the Society from £10,085 to
£258,881. During his period of service the Building Depart-
ment was established, and the total amount of the advance
to this department in 1890 was £88,972. These figures
give some idea of the large sum of money which daily passed
through his hands, and the manner in which he filled the
duties connected with his office won golden opinions from
those members who served on the Committee of Manage-
ment in the days gone by, while the 1890 Committee showed
their appreciation of his past services by appointing him to
the position he then held as Secretary of our ever-growing
and prosperous Society.
Mr. Ditchfield died on March i6th, 1901, and was buried
in the Breightmet Churchyard. The Society was well
represented at the funeral, and the body was borne to its
last resting place by six clerks from the offices of the Society.
He was Cashier for thirty years, and during that period he
filled his post with satisfaction to both the members of the
Society and the Committee.
510 History of the Great and Little Bolton
"DIVI." DAY.
It's " divi." day ! It's " divi." day !
Aw've pusht on wi' mi wark ;
Aw've sided th' baggin' things away,
An' neawj afore it's dark,
Aw'll goo to th' Store, eawr brass to dray,
B' th' soonest road, through th' Park.
Aw counted up my checks last neet,
As aw've done times a score ;
We's soon belong, if o goos reet,
A twothrey breaks i' th' Store ;
We'n gettin' nicely on eawr feet
Sin' drinkin' Ben's gan o'er.
This time we cornt save th' " divi." quite,
Becos it's Whissuntide ;
Eawr Joe'll want to fly his kite.
An' want to see th' say-aide ;
Eawr Ann an' Alis mun dress i' white,
Eawr WiU, too's plagued wi' pride.
Folk sen as we're extravagant
I' what we wear an' eyt ;
That we lay in moor nor we want
O' finery an' meyt.
An' that iv wark coom poor an' scant
We couldn't long keep streyt.
It's hard to let backbitin' pass.
Yet when aw speyk to Ben
He laughs and says, " Ne'er heed 'em, lass,
It's plain as twice five's ten ;
Ut if we spend at th' Store more brass.
There'll be more ' divi.' then."
Rochdale. — /. H.
Co-operative Society Limited. 511
CHAPTER LVIII.
"DIVI." DAY.
A STRANGER passing through Bolton recently, and
noticing the congested state of Bridge Street, accosted
a passer-by, and asked,
" Why are all those people passing in and out of that
building ? "
The answer came readily enough, " It's ' divi.' day ! "
" ' Divi.' day ! What does that mean ? "
" Oh, those people are all members of the Co-operative
Store, a;nd they are drawing their dividends, which are due
to-day."
" But what for ? "
Quickly the reply was, " For their dealings with the
Stores. All members of the Co-operative Society, by
simply buying what they require at their own Store, help to
accumulate a profit which is returned to them as dividend
on their purchases every three months, if they need it. By
allowing it to remain in the Store without disturbance, a
fund is saved for them of hard cash, to provide against
sickness, infirmity, and old age. In fact, it is a pension
provider, without undue effort on the part of the
recipient, and without any annoying restrictions."
" Thank you. What a grand idea ! "
So it is, as thousands of members have found to their
incalculable advantage in time of need. It provides a
reserve which they can come and draw from, knowing full
well it is their own, and needs not to be repaid. Every
person can enjoy the same advantage, the grand feature of
the movement being that it is free to all.
Who will not prefer a system which procures for every
family of working people, without any sacrifice on their
part, a sum, relatively so important, which serves power-
fully to lessen that misery which the working classes
512 History of the Great and Little Bolton
sometimes cry out upon as unjust, and threaten with
violence to stop ; which brings love and respect for capital,
and which, in increased economic welfare, insures a moral
and intellectual progress ?
It is quite certain that members appreciate a good
dividend, honestly earned, and a steady dividend not vary-
ing much from quarter to quarter is preferred by most
experienced Co-operators. There can be no question about
its encouragement of thrift.
" Divi." day being the first day for the payment of
dividend, it is therefore well known to all members. Many
shopkeepers also know. Since the Bolton Co-operative
Society commenced business it has paid away in dividend
a very large sum indeed, giving to aU its members an
increased share of the comforts and luxuries of life thereby.
Others are daily coming forward to share the many advan-
tages which Co-operation brings in its train, not the least
being the grand institution of " Divi." day.
Co-operative Society Limited. 513
CHAPTER LVIX.
CO-OPERATORS AND INCOME TAX.
"A sound citadel."
Income Tax Reform Report — Co-operative Societies Exempted
— Cost of Collecting Greater Than the Results Obtainable —
Members Liable on Interest — Fallacy of Traders' Argu-
ments— Sound Reasoning.
CHE most frequent charge thrown against Co-operators
is that they do not pay income tax. The following
extract from the report of the Committee on Income
Tax Reform, issued on June 27th, 1905, will enable our
members to meet and refute any inaccurate statements
made on this subject. The report of the Departmental
Committee presided over by Mr. Ritchie, appointed by the
Treasury to consider matters connected with the income
tax, was issued on June 27th, 1905. The reference to the
Committee limited them to certain points affecting the
existing methods of assessment of the tax. Subsequently
they were empowered to inquire also whether Co-operative
Societies enjoy any undue exemption from liability to
income tax. Their report ran as follows : —
The Committee are of opinion that no very drastic alterations are
necessary in the administration of the income tax. The tax appears,
on the whole, to be levied with a minimum of friction and a maximum
of result.
In regard to suggestions from traders that income tax
should be paid by Co-operative Societies, the Committee
state that much misconception exists. Such Societies as
the Army and Navy Stores, which are really ordinary
trading concerns, and the profits of which go to the
514 History of the Great and Little Bolton
shareholders, are directly assessed, and enjoy no exemption
or privilege. But the exemption from direct assessment of
the Societies registered under the Industrial and Provident
Societies Act is in accord with the general principles on
which the income tax is based. If the tax were paid
directly the immense majority of members would be
entitled to a refund on account of their income being under
£160 a year. This would involve a great deal of costly
labour. Moreover, the Committee considered it to be
clearly established that in a Society of the Rochdale type,
the dealings of the Society with its own members do not
result in anything which can be treated as profit for the
purpose of income tax. On this the Committee say : —
The suggestion made to us that the " dividend " which is paid to
members of these Societies constitutes a profit which would properly
be taxable rests, we think, on a misapprehension of the nature of
the " dividend."
The so-called " dividend " arises from the fact that the prices
charged by the Society to its members are in excess of cost price. If
the goods were distributed at the exact cost price there would be no
" dividend," and it follows that no question of income tax could
arise. But the Societies, for what they consider good reasons, prefer
to fix a scale of prices which leaves a margin over and above cost.
Thus an adjustment has to be made periodically, and the balance
between cost price and distributing price is divided among the
members in proportion to the value of their purchases. This " divi-
dend " is clearly not profit, but merely a return to members of sums
which they have paid for their own goods in excess of the cost price.
There can be no doubt that the procedure we have described,
resulting, as it does, in periodical returns to members, is conducive
to thrift, and we see no reason for discouraging it.
A Society may, however, of course, make profit on deahngs with
non-members. This profit is, in the case of most ordinary Societies,
very small in amount. But so far as any such profit is made, and so
far as any interest is paid on capital, if that profit or interest comes
into the hands of any person whose income is over £i(>o it ought to
be, and it is, taxable. There is, no doubt, some leakage in the assess-
ment and collection of the small sums that become payable under
these circumstances. This is inevitable under any system, and is
not pecuhar to incomes derived from Co-operative Societies. The
leakage, moreover, is in this case, we are satisfied, very trifling in
amount as compared with evasion elsewhere, and will be, we hope
diminished by the proposals made earlier in the report. We do not
think, therefore, that any case for alteration of the income tax law
was made out by the Traders' Associations ; certainly none is
Co-operative Society Limited. 5^5
required in the interests of the revenue. Indeed, the particular
proposals which have been put before us would not only on general
grounds be inequitable or impracticable, but also, by reason of the
expense they would entail, actually disadvantageous to the Treasury.
The question whether Societies registered under the Industrial
and Provident Societies Act ought to be subjected to any limitations
with regard to their dealings with non-members was not referred to
us, and we express no opinion upon it. But it has been brought to
our notice that very large and varied enterprises in the way of
manufacture, shipping, insurance, and banking — enterprises which,
in some cases, involve considerable and regular dealings with the
outside public — are now carried on under the Industrial and Provi-
dent Societies Act ; and it may be worth consideration whether
further inquiry should be made into the conditions under which the
privilege of registration under that Act is conferred.
The members of the Committee, in addition to Mr.
Ritchie, were Sir H. Primrose (Chairman of the Board of
Inland Revenue), Mr. Cosmo Bonsor (Chairman of the
Commissioners of Income Tax for the City of London),
Mr. Adam Murray (Commissioner of Income Tax for
Manchester), and Mr. W. Gayler (Chief Inspector of Stamps
and Taxes at the Inland Revenue).
One of the main points which the Traders' Defence Asso-
ciation tries to make against the movement is by asserting
loudly the non-liabUity of Co-operators to income tax. In
one breath we are told that the profits of Co-operative
Societies are not really profits at all, and that the working
man in getting his dividend on his purchases is only getting
back what he has been overcharged. In another we are told
that if the Co-operative Societies were to pay their legitimate
share of income tax on their profits it would bring in over
£500,000 to the national exchequer, it being at the same time
pointed out that if the trade was done by private shop-
keepers they would have this to pay.
Now, the Traders' Defence Association cannot have it
both ways. If the profits of Co-operative Societies are
artificial, and working men by dealing at private shops
would get their things cheaper by the amount not only of
the dividend, but also by the added cost of distribution due
to the alleged bad administration of the Stores, then the
5i6 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Exchequer would gain no such sum by this trade being
transferred to the private shopkeeper. On the other hand,
there is no reason in equity why a workman should not
adopt the plan of paying something over the market value
of his goods at the time of purchase as a method of saving a
nest-egg if he wishes, without being liable to extra taxation
in consequence. Strictly speaking, of course, Co-operative
Societies are not favoured by the law on the question of
income tax. People are not liable to income tax unless their
income exceeds £i6o a year. The incomes of 95 per cent of
members of Co-operative Stores would not come to anything
like that sum. If, therefore, the Revenue authorities were
to collect the tax on the profits made by the Societies in
their corporate capacity, our courts would have a busy time
in hearing the appeals for exemption from nearly two
million members. The net result to the revenue would be a
serious loss on the job.
Arrangements have, therefore, been made by which, if
Societies conform to certain regulations, they wiU be exempt
from the claim to income tax, and thus worry and expense
are saved on both sides.
This plan, in fact, is a gain to the shopkeepers and
everyone else, for it saves the enormous expense these
appeals would involve.
Sound Reasoning.
Occasionally the trade papers give some reaUy good
advice to their patrons on the relation of Co-operation to
private trading. One of the most level-headed and far-
seeing of the trade journals is Grocery, which, in its issue for
October, 1909, had the following : —
Members of some Associations waste a deal of time in discussing
why the income tax is not enforced from Co-operative Societies, but
one would imagine that the taxing authorities are ready enough to
demand payment if it can be effected. If every Co-operative Society
were taxed out of existence to-morrow, an additional number of
shops, especially multiple shops, would spring up in their place, and
the old cutting tactics would still cripple the retail trade. There are
shopkeepers who do not relish any reference to Co-operative Societies
Co-operative Society Limited.
517
unless it is garnished with a wild and whirling denunciation. They
are encouraged in this sort of froth by people who ought to know how
ineffective it all is, or who may have some personal end in view. A
howling dervish would show as much intelligence in his antics as a
grocer would show if the latter followed some advice tendered to him
to go round his neighbourhood telling people about the atrocious
misdeeds of Co-operative Societies. While he is after the Societies
somebody else is after his trade.
It is probably too much to expect that all those to whom
these words are addressed will take them to heart.
5i8 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
CHAPTER LX.
THE SOCIETY'S HISTORY.
AT a meeting called to consider the question of the Jubilee
Celebrations it was decided, among other things, that
a record be compiled of the Society's work and
advancement during the fifty years of its existence, and that
a copy should be presented to each of its members. The
present generation of Co-operators know little of the
struggles, trials, and difficulties met and overcome by those
who founded the Society, and, later, by those who joined
it ia the early days and continued the fight, until the Society
gradually emerged from its obscurity and began to forge
rapidly ahead, until it has at last reached to its present
proud position and become a factor for good in our town.
AH honour to those who. stood loyally by it in its days
of struggle and conflict. Perchance the writer has omitted
to mention the names or the deeds of some who have nobly
done their part ; rest assured it was from want of know-
ledge of these things, and not from want either of will or
of inclination. The writer also hopes that, in endeavouring
to give a fuU and true account of the various events, nothing
has been said which will in any way hurt the feelings of
those who took part in connection therewith. Everyone
is liable to make mistakes, and it is well to remember that it
has been truly said, " The man or woman who does not at
times make a mistake never did anything much worth
recording." Let us hope the reading of this History will
stimulate the interest and arouse a sense of pride in the
Society of which we are members, and thus create a desire
to maintain its prestige, and carry along its work to a still
greater success.
The Jubilee Celebrations,
CHAPTER LXI.
A HUGE TRADING CONCERN.
" Look back, how much there has been won,
Look round, how much there is to win ;
The watches of the night are done,
The watches of the day begin."
CHE Jubilee of the Society provides many recollections
of the early days in its history. WhUst we may not
have amongst us the actual founders, there are those
who have a good knowledge of the difficulties that had to be
encountered before the Society obtained a firm footing
amongst the people. These men were brought up amidst
surroundings far different from what we find to-day. They
lived the simple life by force of circumstances, their food
was coarse but had sustaining and health-giving qualities,
clothing plain but substantial, the education they had been
able to obtain was scanty in the extreme. But with all these
disadvantages these men have proved to be of sterling
character and great worth. These men we should keep in
mind in the midst of our rejoicings. Their work was of the
highest importance, and its value we have every evidence
of to-day, seeing that it occupies a very prominent position
in the lives of the inhabitants of Bolton.
If one required an illustration of the evolution of great
things from small beginnings, there is a remarkable example
to be found in the annals of the Great and Little Bolton
Co-operative Society Limited. It is safe to assume that
its pioneers who discussed its origin in humble premises in
Derby Street in 1859 never dreamt of the ultimate vastness
of the scheme they were launching. In fact, fears must have
520 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
mingled with their hopes, for a previous movement in the
town on Co-operative hnes had come to a premature end.
A great future was, however, destined for the new move-
ment, as witness its ramifications of offices, trading stores,
libraries, &c., in this its Jubilee year. The statistics of the
Society may be left to tell their story, for they are portentous
figures.
Special Members' Meeting Deciding on the Jubilee
Celebrations.
A Special Meeting of the members of the Society was
held on Tuesday, August 31st, 1909. A very large atten-
dance of the members was present. Mr. Yates, in a few
well-chosen remarks, reminded the members that they were
gathered together for a unique meeting in the history of the
Society, and trusted that their deliberations during the
course of the consideration of the agenda would be as har-
monious as it was possible, but at the same time he felt
quite sure that, whilst all their opinions could not be of one
accord, the majority of the items on the programme would
be received by the members as a fitting record of the Society's
fifty years' existence. It may also be mentioned here that a
prior meeting had already decided that a sum not exceeding
^3,000 should be allocated for the Jubilee celebrations, and
also that at a meeting held on February 3rd, 1908, the
members then decided that a Jubilee History should be
written and a copy presented to each member of the Society.
After considerable discussion and several amendments
submitted it was ultimately decided that the following
should be the manner in which the Jubilee should be
celebrated : —
To provide each member with a Jubilee History of the Society.
To hold a Co-operative Productive Exhibition.
That the Central premises should be decorated and illuminated
during Jubilee week.
That three bedrooms in connection with the North-Western
Section of the Co-operative Convalescent Homes, situate at Blackpool
and Otley, should be furnished at a cost of £50.
le i«
iJj;i*tinl[eoacliSjpmn«SooB>Lpi'
— Bolton ^,^1^ ^ '^c^r
3-
JUBILEE DONATIONS.
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 523
That two Bolton Co-operative Society's Jubilee Challenge Cups
should be provided — one for sick nursing for ladies and the other for
ambulance work for men.
That a tea party should be given to all persons who have been
members of the Society thirty-five years and over.
That grants be given as stated below.
This would leave a small balance out of the ^3,000, which
it was decided should be left over for contingencies, many
of the items previously mentioned being only the estimated
cost, and it was, therefore, as well to leave a small amount
in hand to meet any special emergency. The meeting
terminated after lasting about two hours.
Generous Grants.
There is no question about the generosity of the members
of the Bolton Co-operative Society, seeing that they have
ever been ready in time of any great need which has arisen
during the period covered by this History to date to come
forward with aid either in money or in kind. This has been
shown on so many occasions that to enumerate them would
be tiresome in the extreme. The figures available in the
tables given will perhaps show best. The Jubilee grants
made to charities and other purposes are on a very generous
scale, and form a fitting memento of the members' powers
in this direction. These are as follows : — To grants to
charities, &c. : Bolton Infirmary (subject to conditions),
^^250 ; Bolton and District Sick Nursing Association, £50 ;
Bolton and District Playing Fields Society, £<,o ; Bolton's
Blind, £50 ; Relief of Distress, £too.
Few of the members of our Society can go back half a
century in their recollections of the Society, and alas ! there
is only a smaU remnant of the original members of fifty years
ago. But the members of the Society to-day have a right
to be proud of its position in its Jubilee year, and the
celebrations of the event have been on an appropriate scale.
524 History of the Great and Little Bolton
CHAPTER LXII.
THE BOLTON CO-OPERATIVE EXHIBITION.
" Think not of failure or success,
He fails who has a low desire ;
Up to the highest ever press,
Still onward, upward, higher, higher."
WHILST a demonstration of the means of distribution
was going on, a great concourse of people was
assembling in the Drill Hall, Silverwell Street.
Capacious as the building is, it could not contain all who
wished to be present at the opening of the Productive
Exhibition. The Hall was gaUy decorated, and the stalls
were an attraction in themselves. At one end was a model
of the cottage in Toad Lane, Rochdale, where the first
Co-operative Store began. If those brave pioneers could
only have been present they would have seen their wildest
dreams realised in the array of goods on the stalls. Every
department of productive Co-operative effort was repre-
sented. Forty-eight Societies had their productions on
view, and their variety may be gauged by the fact that
practically every branch of productive effort was covered.
Our own Society was represented by its Tailoring
Department's display, the stall attracting great attention.
Another stall displayed the excellences and artistic skill of
the Bakery and Confectionery Department, and the exhibits
were sampled prodigiously at the restaurant run in
connection with this stall.
Saturday morning, November 6th, was set apart for
children, who were asked to write essays on their impressions,
prizes being given by the Educational Committee to all
competitors worthy of one.
The Exhibition was a huge success, and must have
delighted all the Exhibition Committee.
Co-operative Society Limited. 525
OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION.
Splendid Tribute by Mr. George Harwood, M.P.
The Exhibition had a worthy opening. Although over
an hour was occupied with the proceedings, the enthusiasm
of the thousands gathered together, and who had to stand,
did not flag. A spirit of joyousness pervaded all, and it
was a very gay scene that those who were on the platform
were privileged to gaze upon.
On covered stalls and open stands Societies vied with
each other to prove that so far as the articles they
manufactured were concerned, Co-operators need not go
outside their movement to supply their needs. Men's
clothing, watches, drapery, furniture, hardware, printing,
confectionery, household requisites, jams, sweets, and a
bewildering host of articles were evidences of the ever-
growing advances in Co-operative production. Thousands
thronged the Hall at the opening ceremony, which was
presided over by the President of the Society (Mr. W.
Yates), and he was supported by Mr. George Harwood,
M.P., Mr. W. T. Wilson, M.P., Councillor Cooper (Mayor-
elect), Dr. Thornley, J. P., Rev. T. Parr, members of the
Directorate, and other representatives.
Mr. Yates's Speech.
Mr. Yates at the outset thought that he could describe
the audience before him as both a numerous and influential
assembly. That gathering was unique. By it they were
carried back for fifty years in the history of the town and
the Society, and they thought with that grand evidence
before them of their material strength, of the men rich in
faith and filled with great enthusiasm who founded the
movement. The Society had gone through its days of
struggle and adversity, and that day they entered into the
labours of the men who were gone, and were reaping the
harvest they had sown. The Society was like a grain of
mustard seed which had been sown and grown into a tree.
It was not dead yet, though it had been for fifty years in the
industrial life of our times. It had grown in an atmosphere
of freedom. From the standpoint of materialism the Bolton
Society had been productive of great good. He did not
526 Great and Little BoUon Co-operative Society Limited.
decry dividend, for he knew that dividend had been of untold
service to many a home in Bolton. He believed that the
Society had been of great good to the working men and
women of the town, and not merely from the standpoint of
material gain. They believed in a higher element in life,
and their Society had solved to a large extent the conflicting
theories of individualism and altruism, and had shown men
the possibOities of a higher and nobler life without injuring
their self-respect. To a large extent they had proved there
were elements of greatness in manhood and womanhood.
It was admitted that Co-operation had done good in the
sphere of distribution, but what of production ? Well, the
Bountiful Giver of all gifts had not confined His gifts to
people of great wealth, but had distributed over aU classes,
and one great fact they all might learn from the Exhibition
was, that the difficulties which affected the management of
industrial concerns could be overcome by persistency and
great faith. He felt it a great honour that day in presiding.
He did not claim it of merit. It had been given to him.
He appealed to all, and especially young people, to realise
the great heritage on which they had entered, and he wanted
them to be more loyal, more loyal than they had ever been
to the Society and to the movement it represented. If they
were, there was a land of promise opening out before them.
They were compassed about with a great cloud of witnesses —
men who had lived and died and blessed them with their
lives. He earnestly' trusted that all would seek to realise
the best that was in them.
Mr. Harwood's Optimistic Address.
Mr. George Harwood, M.P., who was heartily received,
said he considered it a great honour to have the privilege
of declaring that Exhibition open. Amongst all the
movements which had taken place in Bolton to which he
could bear witness, he did not think any movement had
attained so much solid good in the life of the people of
Bolton as the Co-operative Society. They were celebrating
a birthday, and the older it grew, and stronger it was.
What would it be on the sixtieth birthday ? Things were
reversed in the history of the Society. As men grew older
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 529
their bodies became worse, but as the Society grew older it
grew better. He congratulated them on that birthday for
many reasons. He was able to remember the starting of
that Society. He was a boy then, and talked with very
excellent men who were connected with it, men who used to
work at his father's mill. They were helping themselves,
not only to material things, but the Society had made them
rejoice about other things, and he congratulated them upon
three grounds : First of all, upon the extraordinary growth
which had been characteristic of the Society. He had
been reading statistics which had been supplied to him,
and he must say they nearly made his hair stand on end,
but he had no hair to stand on end. That growth had
been enormous, and had taken many directions, which the
public did not quite realise. In the earliest days of the
movement one of his dearest friends with whom he was
associated was Tom Hughes, the author of " Tom Brown's
Schooldays." He used to come and visit him, and together
they tried to catch fish. Charles Kings] ey was also his
friend at the time. Tom Hughes used to say : " What
I am most anxious about is that Co-operation shall not
become merely a distributive Society." The movement
had become a good distributor, and distribution was one of
the elements of all good trade ; but Co-operation had
done more — it had become a producer. Last year the
Co-operative products amounted to millions of pounds.
This was an enormous advance, and he was sure that
the spirit of his dear friend Hughes would have rejoiced
— indeed, he (the speaker) hoped, did rejoice — at seeing
such results. He congratulated them upon their growth,
because he believed their growth had been for the good,
not only of their Society, but for society generally. He,
therefore, congratulated them, not only on their growth,
but on its results. He did not mean merely the money
saved, although that was very good. He spent his time in
making money, but failing generally. Money making was
a very proper object for them all, and if he was proud of
anything it was that he tried to earn his own living. It was
the one thing to distinguish him from the ordinary politician.
What he had intended, and he could speak from his own
KK
530 History of the Great and Little Bolton
observation of men who had worked for his firm that were
members of the Society, was that there had been a note of
personal dignity, because those men had learned to pay
ready money. He did not think they could over-estimate
the enormous revolution that had been brought about even
in the shops of Bolton by the people of Bolton being taught
to pay ready money. When he was a young fellow the last
thing anyone thought of doing was to pay on the spot for
anything they bought. What was the result ? Everybody
was pledged, and had eaten a week's wages before they got
them. Co-operative Societies, by teaching the people to
pay ready money, had worked nothing less than a social
revolution. The Society had done another thing. It had
created a new class of capable managers and organisers of
business. From the working classes themselves there had
sprung men who had shown the power to manage the most
complicated businesses. His brother Henry happened to be
the legal adviser of the Co-operative Union, and he (the
speaker) had attended its meetings and the Co-operative
Congresses, and he had seen there the very best type of men.
It was men who made nations, not money. The best thing
that England ever produced was not ships, cotton, and iron,
but men, and the Co-operative Societies had produced men
capable of managing great undertakings. From the ranks
of Co-operation such men had spread to the great public
movements of our country ; these men were met with in
different spheres of national life, and the nation was richer
in its administrative power, in its sobriety, and its judgment.
This was an asset to the nation, and, speaking as a politician,
he must say that the nation was indebted to Co-operation.
There was a third matter on which he had to congratulate
them. He had seen a row of houses in building, and the
builder told him that he had sold them all to members of
that Co-operative Society. The builder explained to him
the terms on which they were buying, and he learned that
the buyers, by paying a little more than ordinary rent, could
become owners of their own houses. Could they exaggerate
the importance of a great class of men living in their own
houses ? Dr. Johnson used to say that the best thing for
their health was to walk half an hour before breakfast on
Co-operative Society Limited. 531
their own land. Perhaps a better thing than that was for
every man to live in his own house. They could not
exaggerate the importance and the dignity which were given
to the lives of working men who Hved in their own houses.
They talked of revolution, and there had been nothing less
than a revolution in the social life of the working classes of
Bolton. He was delighted, in his native town, to see
such a gathering, including so many well-dressed women.
That sight could not have been seen twenty-five years ago.
He had heard it remarked that now in Bolton they could
not tell a winder from a duchess, and he had replied : " Why
should you ? If it is good for the duchess to dress well and
have a pretty frock, is it not good for the winder ? " He
believed in people dressing well, for he could tell lies if he
had a hole in his stocking. It increased their self-respect to
dress decently and well. Again, he said he was delighted
with their progress, and he wished them every success.
The Mayor-elect (Councillor Cooper) at this point took
the chair.
Mr. W. Lander (Director of the Wholesale Society) then
rose to propose a vote of thanks to Mr. Yates for presiding,
and to Mr. Harwood for opening the Exhibition. He took
the opportunity of saying how delighted they were to
have the Mayor-elect with them. They hoped that his
term of office would be one of great prosperity to the town
and of great satisfaction to himself because of the work he
was able to do for his fellow-townsmen. What should he
say about Mr. Harwood ? As they were proud of their
Chairman, so they were proud of Mr. Harwood. Everybody
had appreciated Mr. Harwood's splendid address on their
movement, and also the work he had done in it. That
Exhibition had to serve two purposes : first, it was one of
the celebrations of the Jubilee of the Bolton Society ; and,
secondly, to show what was being done in production in the
Co-operative workshops and factories. That Exhibition
was to show them what could be done in places run on
forty-eight hours a week, with a living wage for the workers,
by the voluntary association of the working men when they
got a chance to help themselves by the principle of self-help.
It was by self-help they could raise the class to which they
532 History of the Great and Little Bolton
belonged. In their Stores they must see that they had goods
made in Co-operative workshops. If Co-operators created
the demand the Co-operative Wholesale Society would build
the factories and produce the goods which were required.
The rate of progress in Co-operative production in the future
would just be in ratio to their enthusiasm and practical
support. If they did that, ten years hence, when they
celebrated their Diamond Jubilee, there would not be a
building in Bolton large enough to show the goods. The
hope of the workers lay in industrial development, and the
lines on which they had to develop were voluntary Co-
operative lines. He appealed, therefore, most earnestly for
their support to Co-operative productive efforts.
Mr. Mann (Leicester) seconded the resolution. He said
that in these times it must be a sacrifice for a Member of
Parliament to give up his leisure for a function like that,
but if a sacrifice had to be made it should be for a movement
represented by that Exhibition. He seconded the resolution
because he believed the only industrial salvation, the only
practical way, was supporting Co-operative production, and
building up those great businesses which were rising up
through the length and breadth of the land.
Speech of Mr. Wilson, M.P.
Mr. W. T. Wilson, M.P., supported the resolution, and
said that he always called trade unions and Co-operative
Societies twin brothers. He had been acquainted with the
policy of the Bolton Society for the last twenty-five years,
and he thought their policy was a better one now than then.
He came to Bolton twenty-one years ago, and he found the
Society doing things which the Corporation ought to have
done, as expenses of education were borne by the share-
holders. He hoped that in future they would do their
utmost to put the burden on the right shoulders.
The motion was then put by the Mayor-elect, CouncOlor
Cooper, and was carried with great acclamation.
The electric illuminations : " Thrift and Industry, 1859-
1909," "Labour and Wait," a beehive, and other emblems
told the story to the multitudes who gazed on the illumina-
tions on the Central buildings and Drapery Department.
Co-operative Society Limited. 533
CHAPTER LXIII.
CO-OPERATIVE VETERANS.
Bolton Old Folks Entertained by the Society.
Interesting Gathering.
ONE of the most notable and enjoyable events of the
Jubilee celebrations was the party given to those who
had been members of the Society for thirty-five years,
a pretty good share out of an adult life. The party was held in
the Bridge Street Hall, on Saturday, November 6th, and there
were 272 men and women present, the men preponderating.
There were many grey beards and bald heads, and the
women's countenances also bore the marks of time ; but
they were a joUy company, and made themselves generally
at home with each other. A group of sixteen ascertained
each other's ages, and when the total was cast up it was
found that the average age was 63. This would be about
the average age of those present, men and women who had
had a long experience of life, but yet able to unbend for a
little time and enjoy themselves. The sight was an
interesting one. The faces of the old people, many of whom
had passed well above their three score years and ten,
reflected the joy that was evidently in their hearts at the
completion of the fifty years' work of which they, in their
early and more vigorous days, had laid the foundations.
The guests were all seated shortly after 4-30, and a
substantial tea was served. This was heartily enjoyed.
Afterwards the women folk passed the next hour in con-
versation. The men naturally adjourned to the smokeroom,
where the Society had provided a good supply of " church-
wardens " and C.W.S. tobacco. The time was spent very
pleasantly, and, as was to be expected, it was found that the
men indulged in reminiscences. Many old friends met
534 History of the Great and Little Bolton
again after a lapse, perhaps, of many years. At intervals
tobacco and dessert were served, and the opportunities were
seized for pleasant intercourse.
The Chairman (Mr. Yates) said that he wished to give
all a hearty welcome. It was not alone a welcome from him
as Chairman, but a welcome from the General Committee
and the members of the Society. WeU, the Committee were
right glad to see so many who had been associated with the
Society for thirty-five years. It did them good to see them
enjoying themselves, but yet there was a tinge of regret
about the gathering, for there were some members who by
reason of infirmities could not leave their homes to take
part in that joyous occasion. Those laid aside had fought
their battles, and having almost finished their warfare were
resting before going home to where he trusted they would
have a better service and a far better reward than the
Society could offer them. The Committee would have been
glad if these feebler ones could have taken part in the
gathering, and they gave them their sympathy. He and the
younger men recognised that they who were present were
among those who laid the foundation of the Society in
times when things were not so prosperous as they were now,
and when the dividend was not 3s. in the ■£, and when it was
most difficult to spend their money with the Society. Their
loyalty to the Society was steadfast, and it was a matter for
rejoicing that they had seen the Society grow to its present
dimensions. There could be no question that during the
past week the Jubilee of the Society had been the talk of the
town. He was sure that every one of them was proud that
when it was difficult for them to be true they had remained
loyal to the Society, and continued with it up to the present.
They were also fuUy aware of the blessings which had come
to them through being loyal to the Society. They would
agree with him that the Society had developed and prospered
beyond their dreams, for no one thought thirty-five years
ago that the Society could have such premises as it now
possessed. WeU, they rejoiced that this property belonged
to them as members of the Society. During the thirty-five
years which had gone the Society had been remarkably
blessed with good men for their prominent officials, men who
Co-operative Society Limited. 535
had their hearts in the development of the Society, and he
beUeved that in the prominent officials, both men and
women, which the Society had to-day, they had officials of
whom they had reason to be proud and to hold in honour.
But whilst he allowed the present officials had some part in
the glory of the Jubilee, he wished to give a part to those
who had fought with them and given the whole of their
time to the Society's work. Whilst all this was satisfactory,
they trusted there were better things in store, and that they
would not only keep their savings in the Stores, but increase
them.
Mr. John WiUiams (an old Committee-man) proposed a
vote of thanks to the Chairman, which was seconded by
Mr. Hilton, who praised the excellent quality of goods
supplied by the Society.
At the close two ex-Presidents of the Society (Mr. John
TunstaU and Mr. Freeman Boardman) proposed and
seconded a vote of thanks to the members of the Society for
the party, and the opportunity given to the old members
to thus foregather, and a particular request was made that
the resolution should go to the next members' meeting.
The resolution was, of course, carried unanimously, and
amid much applause the happy gathering terminated.
536 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
CHAPTER LXIV.
ART AND EDUCATION.
Opening of New Offices and Educational Depart-
ment— Influence of Beautiful Buildings.
CHE third of the Jubilee celebrations took place on
Saturday, November 13th, when the spacious building
in Bow Street was opened, a building wherein will be
located the new Offices, Library, and Reading-room. Of a
palatial character, the buildings dignify a street otherwise
without pretension, and complete the vast Central premises
of the Society. Messrs. Bradshaw and Gass, F.R.I. B. A., have
been the architects, and the whole of the work has been
carried out by Mr. Richard Mosley and sub-contractors
associated with him.
It is an encouraging sign that in the social progress of
the people the working classes have begun to recognise some-
thing of the meaning of utility and beauty in daUy life.
Promptly at three o'clock the President of the Society
(Mr. W. Yates) with the Committee and other gentlemen
gathered at the principal entrance to the premises, and in
the presence of a largo crowd the opening proceedings were
initiated by Mr. William Martindale, who first called upon
Mr. Hope, of the firm of Messrs. Bradshaw and Gass, under
whose own personal supervision the work has been carried
out. He said it was inevitable that with the Society's
growing business new office accommodation should be
provided, and it was very important that the administrative
department of their work should be carried -on efficiently.
Good work could not be done under bad conditions. In that
buUding the administrative staff and the Educationcd
Department (which had been so generously supported by
the Society) would find ample accommodation. His firm
were indebted to the General Committee and the Educational
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 539
Committee for assistance during the progress of the building,
for every detail had been most carefully considered, so that
the best results could be obtained. Turning then to Mr.
Yates, the speaker said : "I know you have taken a deep
interest in this scheme, and it is with great pleasure that I
present to you on behalf of our firm this souvenir of the
occasion."
He then handed to Mr. Yates a beautiful gold key of
chaste design. On the obverse side was this inscription :
" Presented to William Yates, Esq., President, by Bradshaw
and Gass, F.R.I. B. A., Architects," and on the reverse side :
" Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited,
New General Offices, opened November 13th, igog." The
inscription was accompanied with two mottoes, " Industry
and Thrift " and " Labour and Wait."
Mr. Yates said that it was with the greatest possible
pleasure and thankfulness that he accepted the key as a
souvenir of that very interesting and historic event in the
annals of the Bolton Society. He had also the greatest
possible pleasure in declaring those offices open for the
transaction of business, and also for the Educational Depart-
ment to carry on that work of propagating Co-operative
principles which he hoped would lead to the further
development of the Society in Bolton.
Mr. Yates then unlocked the door and entered the
building, foUowed by a great crowd. Previous to this a
photograph was taken of the group in the central entrance
of the building.
A temporary platform had been erected in the offices,
and from it the Chairman said it was very gratifying to meet
there on the occasion of the opening of the new Offices, and
also the rooms for the Educational Department.
Mr. Hope said that he wished briefly to explain what the
building was, and what it provided for. When the building
was begun it was originally intended to have that ground
floor, certain premises in the basement, and the first floor
for the Educational Department. But in the initial steps
there were certain difficulties. One difficulty was the
lighting of the premises in the centre, and so the large dome
roof was provided, giving a lighting area of several thousand
540 History of the Great and Little Bolton
feet, streaming the light down in the offices, and the dome
was also used for the extraction of vitiated air from below.
On the first floor was a Reading-room arranged for 130
readers, with newspaper racks and modern equipment ; and
another room for the Lending Library, on the open access
system, which would give space for 24,000 volumes. On the
second floor was accommodation for the Auditors and Check
Clerks. An electric lift was provided for the conveyance of
books to the upper offices. The greatest care had been taken
that the many valuable books of the Society should be
insured against fire. The building was fireproof, and
sprinklers had also been installed throughout the premises.
The premises were lighted throughout by electricity, the
electricity being generated by their own plant. Heating
and ventilation had also been provided in the best possible
way, so that comfort might be given to aU. No money had
been spent unnecessarily, but every effort had been made
to provide accommodation which would be useful and fulfil
their purpose to the best possible extent.
Mr. Yates said that it was fitting at the outset that he
should tender his thanks to the General Committee of the
Society for giving him the privilege — and it was a very great
privilege and honour — of declaring that building open. He
also wished to tender his thanks, which he could do better
there than outside, to the Architects for the beautiful gift
of the key which he trusted would ever be a reminder of this
unique event in his own history and that of the Society.
He was perfectly sure that many people who saw the site
originally had not much hope — although they had Mr. Hope
in charge of the work — that a building like that in which
they were assembled would be erected upon it. Very great
and unforeseen difficulties arose, but he was glad to teU
them that those difficulties had been overcome by patience,
determination, and skUl, and they had to-day what he
believed would be a fitting memorial of the energy, enter-
prise, and skiU of the firm of Messrs. Bradshaw and Gass
and the contractor (Mr. Mosley), who had gathered round
him sub-contractors who had done their best. He could
not mention all, but they would pardon him singling
out one firm — he referred to the Bolton Co-operative
Co-operative Society Limited. 541
Cabinet-makers' Society Limited. He believed that good
work had been put into the building, and not the
least useful or prominent was the work of that Society.
It had been said that they might have had a plainer building,
and for the benefit of those objectors he would quote Charles
Kingsley, who said : " Never lose an opportunity of seeing
anything beautiful. Welcome it in every fair face, every
fair sky, every fair flower, and thank Him for it Who is the
fountain of all loveliness ; and drink it simply and earnestly
with your eyes ; it is a charmed draught, a cup of blessing."
He subscribed to what Kingsley said. There were things
useful about the beautiful. One effect would be on the
worker. Those who would work within those walls would
feel it. Perhaps one of the things which working people
were troubled with most was the monotony of their everyday
life, and if the monotony could be toned with the beautiful
it should be done. Therefore, he believed those who worked
in those ofifices would be able to do their work better, and
the influence upon their character would be uplifting and
ennobling. As to the building generally, he wished to refer
to two or three of its main departments. There were two
key-words in connection with the Society, and they were
" deposit " and " withdrawal," and in that building they had
a storehouse for their savings. Here they could bring what
they could spare after meeting their daily wants, and then
when the time of adversity came, or old age crept upon them
and they became infirm, or it might be sickness occurred,
they would have some little store to which they could turn.
There might be a wrong idea of thrift. He did not believe
in the maxim " Get all you can and spend as little as you
can." He thought they should spend what was necessary,
and place on one side what was left. They were trying to
inculcate that idea in the minds of the children, and the
Small Savings Department gave them encouragement to
practise thrift. As they knew, the building was not only
for the Offices, but to provide for the Educational Depart-
ment being better housed. As a Society they had most to
do with those who toiled hard for their daily bread, and,
therefore, they wanted to cultivate in them an independent
manhood and womanhood, and he rejoiced at the increased
542 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
facilities they would have in the great work of bringing the
manhood and womanhood of the town to a higher state of
efiiciency. Ruskin said : " There is no wealth but life."
His opinion (the speaker's) was to attain that people must
think and reason so as to find intelligent answers to the
many problems of life. Again, he would express the opinion
that they had now a building which was amply equipped,
not only for work which they might term material, but one
in which avenues might open to a larger life. There were
mountain ranges yet unsealed. He, therefore, urged them to
go forward in the cause of Co-operation, and to remember
that if they themselves did not reach the land of promise —
the land flowing with milk and honey — they could by their
efforts make the path easier for the children.
Mr. Nuttall at this point took the chair, and called upon
Mr. Crossley.
Mr. Thomas Crossley said that he had the pleasing duty
to perform of proposing that a vote of thanks be given to
Mr. W. Martindale for presiding, and to the President of the
Society for opening that building. He believed that not
only the members of the Board were delighted with the
completion of that work they looked upon that afternoon,
but that the members of the Society when they saw those
offices would also be thankful. He hoped that such would
be the influence of that building. He trusted that not only
in that room would increased business be done, but in the
room above there would be equally good and progressive
work accomplished. They would agree with him that so far
as their educational work was concerned they had had much
work to do in the making of good citizens in the town, and
he trusted that as the result of the greater facilities
being provided for study and reading, they would do even
greater work in that direction in the future, and that the
town of Bolton, as the result of the educational work of that
Society, would produce such citizens as would not only be
a credit to the town, but be able to give such services to it as
would be an example to those in other towns in this country,
of which they were all proud to form a part.
Mr. Thomas Dobson (Chairman, Educational Committee)
rose to second the resolution, and said that he was glad to
Committee of Management.
', Mr, JOHN NnlTALL. /'
Committee of Management.
Mr. J. T. WALKDEN, ( .
Mr. WILLIAM FORBER, J.P.
IjL
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 547
be associated in however minor degree with the opening of
those premises, for he looked upon them not only as repre-
senting the solid progress and stability of the Society, but
also a fitting Jubilee memorial of the pioneers of the Society,
who some fifty years ago planted the seed of Co-operation in
Bolton. He doubted not that they would hold with him in
saying that that building was erected upon the foundation
of their labours and self-sacrifice. These buildings, too, had
been erected with an eye to the future. He hoped that in
the rooms devoted to the Library and Reading-room work
would be done which would justify the increased facilities
provided. As representing a younger generation he offered
his hearty congratulations to the pioneers of the Society on
this Jubilee year, for he considered the rooms would be a
fitting monument to their labours in the past. He hoped
that the next few years would see a still more rapid increase
of business, and that even those spacious offices would have
to be enlarged. He seconded the resolution with great
pleasure.
The resolution was then put and carried with
acclamation.
Mr. Martindale briefly responded, and Mr. Yates said
that if anyone had told him eight years ago that he should
have filled the honourable position he did that day he
should have been astonished. He was very grateful to them
for their thanks.
Description of New Offices, &c.
The great expansion which has taken place in the
Co-operative movement in the town, and the rapid growth
of the Society's business in all its branches, has made it
absolutely necessary that ample accommodation should be
provided for the Office staff, with increased space and
convenience for the use of the members. The decision was
finally made to erect new premises. To meet the difficulty
a site belonging to the Society in Bow Street was utilised,
adjacent to the Central premises, thus giving a nice situation
with good approach and direct communication with the
other departments. This site, facing Bow Street, has a
frontage of 106 feet, with an area of 1,032 square yards, and
548 History of the Great and Little Bolton
occupies the whole of the space between Bow Street and the
River Croal. In July, 1903, the Committee instructed their
Architects, Messrs. Bradshaw and Gass, F.R.I. B. A. (of
Bolton), to prepare sketch plans embodying their require-
ments with regard to this accommodation, and making
provision for increased facilities for the Educational
Department to replace the present inadequate accom-
modation in Bark Street. These plans, after very fuU
consideration of the present and future needs of the Society,
were finally approved, and the contract for the construction
of the premises was made in October, 1907, and the work
proceeded with. At the outset difficulties with the ground
were encountered, and it was found that beneath the surface
there existed the brick chambers of three old gas tanks,
each averaging 38 feet in diameter and 18J feet deep, below
the basement floor. These tanks were filled with rubbish and
contaminated matter of aU descriptions, and it was necessary
that this should be removed and good filling material
substituted to prevent any danger to health arising in the
future. In 1825 the first gasometer was erected in Little
Bolton by the Bolton Gas Light and Coke Company. They
took for this purpose land in Bow Street from Mr. Ainsworth,
for which they paid 5d. per yard, " from the middle of the
street to the middle of the river." These tanks were fiUed
with rubbish from the foundations of the premises erected
in Corporation Street when the Gas Company turned over
the site to Mr. Coffey, joiner ; and when he gave up and the
land was offered for sale the site was purchased by this
Society, and is now utilised for the beautiful new Offices
erected during the Jubilee year. The works have gradually
progressed until the present time, when they may be seen
in a complete state, forming a handsome addition to the
many fine premises already owned by the Society. Dignity
of character has been carefully considered, and lavish or
wasteful expenditure in ornament and adornment have been
studiously avoided.
The ground floor, entered through two spacious
vestibules in Bow Street, provides accommodation for the
business of the Members' Share Department, Savings Bank,
Building and Cashiers' Departments. These spacious
Co-operative Society Limited. 549
Offices, well lighted at the sides and with large dome over
centre, are loo feet long by 65 feet wide, and contain a
circular counter 150 feet in length for the service of the
n:iembers. Behind this counter the clerks' desks, pass book
racks, &c., are all conveniently arranged for the despatch
of business in accordance with the most modern principles.
On this floor also the General Manager and the Secretary are
provided for, the latter having oversight and control of the
whole of the Offices. A strong-room also is provided, and
an administration staircase for the use of the clerks passing
to the other floors.
The basement provides storage space for books and
papers, lavatory accommodation for clerks, and also a
common-room for their use. There is also in addition a
large room provided, to be used as a new Bacon Store, to
give increased accommodation, with the good ventUation
necessary for proper storage ; this room is 94 feet by 47J
feet, and will prove a very valuable addition to the
warehouse.
On the second floor is the Board-room, with lavatory and
waiting-room accommodation adjoining, and also large
Office for accommodation of Check Clerks and Auditors.
These rooms are all spacious, lofty, well lighted, and well
ventilated.
The first floor of the new building is devoted entirely to
the uses of the Educational Department, and will be
approached from the Bow Street staircase giving access to
the Large Hall. On the left after entering the department
there w3l be found a large Reading-room, 70 feet by 36 feet,
with tables, chairs, newspaper racks, &c., giving accom-
modation for 130 readers, and on the right the new Lending
Library, with open access system, with shelving accom-
modation for some 24,000 volumes. This department will
be exceedingly useful and popular, providing ample space
for the readers to study the books they are borrowing, and
making it possible to greatly increase the usefulness of this
department. Adjacent to the Lending Department will be
a small Reference Library, with tables for the use of readers
desirous of studying special subjects or referring to the more
valuable books in the Society's collection.
550 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Externally the new buildings have been treated broadly
in the English Renaissance style, and the materials employed
give character and effect to the building. As previously
pointed out, elaboration has been avoided, and the simple
dignity of the buHding adequately expresses the strong and
solid character of the Co-operative movehaent and its
interests in the town. Materials employed are Yorkshire
stone with Ruabon brick dressings and green slate roofs.
Internally the same simplicity of treatment has been
observed, materials being broadly used to give the best
effect without extravagant expenditure. The tile dadoes
to the ground floor Office ensure perfectly clean wall surface,
the upper surfaces finished in plaster with simple line
decoration giving good light effect. The timber on this
floor is mainly American oak, which is a material at once
inexpensive but durable in its character as a hard wood.
In the Educational Department simUar treatment is
followed, wall surfaces being plastered with simple dadoes
and line decorations, the fittings being of American oak, and
the joinery American white wood stained and varnished.
The Boardroom is similarly finished with American oak
panellings, plaster ceilings and cornices, picked out in
colours to give harmonious treatment to the whole.
Throughout the interior there has been simplicity of
treatment and light to all parts. This essential feature has
been carried out without detriment to the finished
appearance of the rooms.
The buildings throughout are of fire-resisting construc-
tion, the walls of bricks, floors of steel girders with concrete
and boarding laid on the solid, roof principals of steel and
outer cover of slates. Plaster is largely used on wall and
ceiling surfaces, and gives additional protection in case of
fire. Sprinklers have been installed throughout, giving
additional protection, and greatly minimising the danger of
loss or inconvenience arising from fire risk. Other appoint-
ments have been designed with a view to giving the greatest
efficiency and soundness of construction. The premises are
lighted throughout by electricity supplied from the Society's
own plant, the mains being run under the floors in seamless
tubes with screwed joint fittings. Throughout the premises
Co-operative Society Limited.
551
are heated by hot-water circulating pipes with radiators,
each radiator and the different sections of the apparatus
being controlled by valves so that heat may be locally used.
The water is warmed by means of caloriiier supplied by live
steam from the new boiler plant, and gives very good and
efficient results. Ventilation of all parts of the premises is
secured by powerful electric fans, extracting from the various
rooms and discharging the foul air above the roofs ; inlet
ventilators being arranged in connection with the heating
radiators so that a continual supply of warmed fresh air is
always available.
552 History of the Great and Little BoUon
CHAPTER LXV.
DEPARTMENTS OF THE SOCIETY.
FACILITIES FOR TRADE.
" A progressive Store is a inarching army of reformers."
" If thou love the Store and thy neighbour, join thyself thereto."
Grocery Stores — The Seat of Power — Need of Loyal Support —
Warehouse — Quantity of Goods sent out — Horses —
Machines — Christinas Trade — Changed Habits of People
— Loads of Coal Sold — Coal in Bags — Bakery — Confec-
tionery— Stable Accommodation — Engineering Depart-
ment— Use of Motors — Refrigerating Plant — Electricity
Used — Drapery a Productive and Distributive Depart-
ment— Boot and Shoe a large Productive Department —
Tailoring Growth — Articles Sold — Butchering — Quality
the Feature — New Farm Purchased — Furnishing — Its
Displays — Repairs Executed — Hat and Cap — Its Trade —
Jewellery and Optical Department — Repairs a Speciality —
Restaurant — Catering Undertaken — Milk — Growth of
Department — Quantity Sold — Analysi^s Reports — Dairy
Machinery Installed — Clothing Club — Articles Obtain-
able— Children's Savings Bank — Faithful Service.
OUR business comprises grocery and provisions,
bread and confectionery, restaurant, butchering,
tailoring, hats and caps, drapery, furnishing,
dress and mantle making, boots and shoes, coals, crockery,
milk, &c.
For a general survey of the work of the Society we very
naturally start out from our Central Premises in Bridge
Street. The most important departments of the whole
number are the grocery and provisions, seeing that they
practically bulk as two-thirds of the whole business done.
The Grocery Branches, including the Central Shop, number
Co-operative Society Limited. 553
fifty, and a list of them appears elsewhere. Any member
doing business at any of the Stores can be assured of strict
and prompt attention. The stocks are kept as fresh as
possible, and, as a good trade is usually passing, the items
dealt in are kept moving, and the customer is thus able to
obtain the best satisfaction.
The Central premises of a Store generally represent the
seat of power as well as the members' highest ideals, which
are often guided by the architectural spirit of the town.
When the alterations are completed in connection with our
Central Grocery Shops, we shall have as fine and up-to-date
a business establishment for this clsiss of trade as is to be
met with in the town and neighbourhood.
It is often said that a Store Committee is just what the
members make them. A better description perhaps would be
to say that they are just a reflex of the members. Certainly
it is the case locally, for " Progress " is the motto of the town,
considered industrially or otherwise. A Store Committee
is therefore a reflex of the highest aims and aspirations of
its members.
Success begets a feeling of confidence, and this feeling
once fairly established in the minds of the members of the
Bolton Co-operative Society, grew so rapidly that all doubts
and fears passed away, and the soundness of the Co-operative
principles has become fixed locally. Enthusiastic Co-opera-
tors should therefore support every department, for what
is worth doing is worth doing heartily. By so doing
the time draws nearer when all disputed points between
nations will be settled by the Co-operative spirit, for the
good of all. Brotherhood is nobler than Individuality.
The aim is high. We, in fact, cater for the best trade
by providing goods that are pure and good, and the best of
their kind obtainable. Co-operative productive depart-
ments are patronised as largely as possible, the growth
of the trade along these lines being in the hands of the
members individually. The purity, quality, and conditions
under which the goods are handled make them excellent
554 History of the Great and Little Bolton
productions, as the true Co-operator insists on having the
best of everything. There are, of course, hundreds of
commodities stocked, and, when rising and falling markets
are taken into account, also the necessity of carefully
watching these, it will be seen that the Manager of the
Society has no easy task in gauging and fully meeting all
requirements to the best trading advantage. It may be
noted here that if there should be in any instance fault to be
found with the quality, price, packing, or any other cause of
complaint, that a line dropped to the General Manager's
Office will at once receive attention, and the complaints
rectified, if possible.
Ample warehousing facilities being a necessity of a large
Society, it naturally follows that the importance of a good
and sound management is soon apparent by the growth
and development of its warehouses. When the trade of the
Society began to assume gigantic dimensions it was soon
found that increased accommodation was a necessity.
Our Warehouse Department has grown with the growth of
the Society, the latest addition thereto being a bacon store
during the Jubilee Year, which is capable of a storage
capacity for the requirements of a large trade. Our trade
in this line runs to about 10,400 rolls of bacon, and 18,700
hams annually.
It is interesting to know that the warehouse at first was
a small room in the cellar which now forms part of the
Restaurant, and it used to be large enough to contain all
the necessary requirements of the business. When the
Bow Street extension was carried out in 1876, and the
additional warehouse accommodation provided then
enabled the departmental accounts to be more efficiently
carried out, the real start of the Warehouse Department, as
we now know it, may be said to have been made. With
the purchase of the Bridge Street MiU in 1887, an extensive
four-storey warehouse was built on the old foundations of
Fogg's Mill, as it was then best known, three storeys being
used for the requirements of the Grocery business and one
for Furniture storage. With the release of the old Office
premises at the Jubilee time further extensions to the
Co-operative Society Limited. 555
Furniture rooms were enabled to be made thereby, and
the fourth storey will thus be added to the warehouse
department and the office accommodation for the ware-
house staff increased.
This department has been under the charge of Mr. Charles
Hardman since 1894, the staff then numbering sixteen. It
now requires twenty-four to deal with the ever-growing
business of this section of our trade. They deal with the
supply of all grocery, provisions, and other commodities
that are sent out to our various Branches. The depart-
mental accounts are kept here, and the statements prepared
which appear on the balance sheets, giving the particulars
of the trade results of each department. In addition to
other articles handled during the year 1909, the Warehouse
Department sent out to the various shops 18,090 casks of
butter, 7,070 cheeses, 7,000,000 eggs, 52,000 bags of potatoes,
37,465 sacks of flour.
We, as a Society, aid in contributing to the revenue
of the country by the taking out of fifty tobacco licences
annually, also fifty patent medicine licences, four trap
licences, &c.
Many of the members do not know that they are joint
proprietors of a great commercial establishment which
requires no fewer than ninety-six horses to efficiently carry
on its business, to say nothing of the number of outside
motors and lurries which carry supplies into its warehouses
for redistribution again to our shops as required. Like a
healthy child, this department keeps outgrowing its clothes.
This is generally a satisfactory sign. Nature knows no
stoppage, no rest. When institutions cease to grow they
begin to decline.
In the Warehouse we have a fruit cleaning machine,
which is capable of cleaning all the currants and raisins
sent to our Branches. Therefore, customers may always
depend on having fresh supplies of cleaned fruit, cleaned in
a way far superior to the old system of hand cleaning, before
it is sent out for sale purposes.
556 History of the Great and Little Bolton
We also have a machine for roasting and grinding coffee,
thus ensuring a fresh, pure, and capital supply of really
good coffee, which is second to none in the trade. Our
coffee sales last year amounted to 57,20olbs.
For the Christmas trade in dried fruit alone some 1,200
boxes of currants and 1,780 boxes of raisins are required.
In the cheese store, which is a recent addition, some 800
cheeses may easily be accommodated and stored.
The oversight of a department such as this alone is no
mean task, and its successful accomphshment is a credit to
all concerned in connection therewith.
Orders for loads of coal are also despatched from the
warehouse, the trade handled in the Jubilee Year being
5,305 loads, weighing 9,210 tons. Orders for this commodity
are received in any of the grocers' shops and are dealt with
and allotted to the credit of the department sending them.
One great illustration of the changed habits and condi-
tions of the people may be seen in the altered circumstances
governing the coal trade. The coal agent, as he is known
to-day, is a creation of a later date than the birth of
Co-operation. The introduction of the coal agent was not
the creation of a new industry, but merely the separation
of the producer and the consumer by a third party, who
made it his business to ease in some way the accelerated
pace of life, by relieving it of a few of the cares and anxieties
previously met with. In the early days a householder
requiring a load of coals would have to engage some carrier
or cart to fetch them for him. The increase in the consump-
tion of coal made it necessary to secure regular and
increasing supplies, and thus a golden opportunity was
created for the middleman or agent, of which he was not
slow to avaU himself. Not only did they acquire control
of outside supplies, but also the local ones. This practically
compelled action on the part of our Society to protect its
members, and thus the Coal Department was inaugurated.
This has all along the line proved itself to be of great
Co-operative Society Limited. 557
advantage to the members. Quite apart from the question
of the saving of the trading profits for the members, it has
also proved the movement to be of incalculable benefit for
those whose especial benefit it was originally established.
The change from country to town habits may largely
be noticed in developments of the coal trade. The old idea
of purchasing coal in bulk is rapidly giving place to the more
convenient form of bags. This is of especial benefit to the
householder whose means are limited, and it specially
appeals to those whose aim it is to keep free from debt.
The result of this growth and demand Was the starting of
the Coal-bagging Department. Although this department
only started in a small way with one lurry on September
30th, 1892, selling in one day seventy bags of coal and
receiving £2. 8s. 4d. as the result, it yet started at a most
opportune time, and has since very steadily grown in
importance and trade. It is certain that this section of our
work meets a long-felt want, as the average sales per day
now show, viz. : 4,000 cwt. bags, or over 66,000 tons per
year, and cash receipts over £60,000. We now have thirty-
seven lurries engaged in the selling of coal daily, and these
are distributed over the town and district so as to be in
touch with the various sidings used. We also own eighty
railway coal wagons, which are engaged in conveying coal
to the following sidings : Halliwell, Astley Bridge,
Craddock Lane, Bullfield, Daubhill, Lever Street, and
Bromley Cross, and it is fuUy evident that these are not too
many to cope with the trade in coal locally amongst our
members. Various kinds of coal are supplied which will
compare favourably for quality and price with other
concerns. Members who so far have not given this depart-
ment a trial are respectfully solicited to do so.
This section of our distributive work is under the charge
of Mr. Albert Taylor, and adds not a little to the general
receipts, the coal sold during 1909 being 66,101 tons and the
cash receipts £61,425.
For week ending January 5th, 1907, our sales amounted
to £1,616. I2S. lod., and we sold 37,134 bags, or 1,856 tons
14 cwts., which is our record week.
558 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Sales for Week ending January 5TH, 1907.
Day. Bags. Cash.
December 31st (Monday) 5247 . . £22^ 5 2^
January ist (Tuesday) 5570 . . 236 16 3
2nd (Wednesday) .... 6567 .. 279 11 iij
„ 3rd (Thursday) 6401 . . 285 16 ii|
„ 4th (Friday) 6742 . . 298 12 5
„ 5th (Saturday) 6607 .. 291 9 iij
37134 ;^i6i6 12 10
This was the week following the heavy fall of snow, which
commenced on Christmas night, and kept on more or less
until Saturday, the 29th.
In the Bakery Department the annual sales now run to
1,350,900 2lb. loaves. Mr. West (Manager) has been in
the employ of the Society fourteen years, for 8J of which
he has been Manager of the Bakery. During this period
the sales have considerably increased, and the department
very much enlarged. During the past few years he has been
very successful in taking prizes at various exhibitions.
Members cannot do better than purchase their bread from
our Branches, made only from the best grades of flour, and
under the best possible conditions. Our average sale is
30,000 loaves weekly, sent out fresh each morning. It has
machinery for sifting flour, kneading and dividing the
dough, whisking eggs, mixing cakes, and large bread and
confectionery ovens, with proving-room and ample storage
capacity. The motive power is electricity.
Co-operators will sympathise with and appreciate the
efforts of the authorities to prevent fraud by short weight
in the sale of bread. But reasonable people, whether
Co-operators or otherwise, would naturally expect those
same authorities to give instructions (if they pretend to give
any at all) which would render assistance to those who
desire to keep the law in this matter, and not pervert the
meaning of the Act so that those who follow such instruc-
tions find themselves within the meshes of the law.
Adjacent to the Bakery is one part of the stables. Here
accommodation is provided for twenty-six horses. Other
Co-operative Society Limited. 559
stable accommodation is provided in the Lark Street
premises for sixty-two horses, a,nd also in John Street,
Great Bolton, for nineteen horses. Machinery for chopping
hay and extracting the dust, with a sack filler, assist in
supplying clean food foi the horses.
The Engineering Department controls the whole of the
electrical and mechanical works connected with the Society.
These worlds are fairly extensive, as the following brief
description will show.
At our Central premises, where all the electricity used is
generated on the premises, a large generating plant is
required, which consists of two dry-back multitubular
boilers, each 14 feet long by 8 feet 6 inches diameter, both
capable of steaming 6,000 lbs. of steam per hour at 160 lbs.
pressure, complete with super-heaters, mechanical stokers,
water softener, and induced draught fan ; also a direct-
acting boiler feed pump, with an injector as a duplicate.
It may incidentally be mentioned that this plant is entirely
new, having been put in this last summer to cope with the
ever-increasing needs of the Society by Messrs. Musgrave
and Sons, Bolton. These boilers supply steam to three steam
dynamos, made by Messrs. Hick, Hargreaves, and Co., of
this town, and consisting of quick-revolution enclosed
engines coupled direct to dynamos, supplying electricity
at no volts to motors, lamps, and other apparatus, of which
there' are 2,300 incandescent lamps, seventy-two arc lamps,
and seventeen motors, aggregating 90 b.h.p. These motors
are used for various purposes, such as lifts, boot and shoe
repairing machinery, coffee roasting, fruit cleaning, and other
miscellaneous work. The boilers also supply all the steam
required for heating, cooking, &c.
At the Drapery Department there is one Lancashire
boiler supplying steam for two WiUan's central valve engines
coupled direct to dynamos generating electricity each
100 h.p. at 230 volts for lighting these premises only. For
this purpose over 1,600 lights have been installed. Also
for this building a system of heating with the exhaust
560 History of the Great and. Little Bolton
steam from the engines is in operation. Electricity is also
used for heating the irons used for pressing in the mantle
workroom.
At the Tailoring Department aU the electricity used is
supplied from the Corporation mains at a pressure of 230
volts to twenty-four arc lamps and 300 incandescent lamps.
Here also electricity is used for the tailors' irons in the.
workrooms.
Electricity is also brought into use at our Bakery
Department, where we have an up-to-date plant, including
blender, elevator, and conveyors, storage hoppers, auto-
matic weigh bucket, 2J sack mixer, dough divider, and
almost everything to make an ideal bakehouse, every
machine being motor driven from the Corporation
supply.
Across the yard we have the dairy. This is al^ fitted up
with the latest things in dairy plant, including J. and E.
Hall's CO^ refrigerating machine, coolers, churn, butter
worker, cream separater, pasteuriser, butter weigher, millc
pumps, and these are also motor driven as at the Bakery.
Here also is a steam boiler for supplying the steam needed
in the Dairy and Bakery.
An up-to-date chaff cutter, sifter, and sack filler is also
provided for supplying the horses with clean food. This
also is electrically driven.
At our abattoirs in All Saints' Street we have an extensive
refrigerating plant consisting of one HaU's CO* machine
driven by electric motor for chiUing meat. The output of
this machine is equal to making two tons of ice in twenty-
four hours. The capacity of the rooms is about 180,000
cubic feet. Connected with this plant is also an ice-making
tank. Some idea will be gathered about this when we
state that almost 100 tons of ice were made during the last
season.
In another part of the premises are arranged the motor-
driven sausage-making machine and the boiler for supplying
steam for various purposes.
Co-operative Society Limited. 561
At our tripe-boiling premises in Back Derby Street we
have a complete plant for tripe boiling and tallow refining,
consisting of vertical boiler, tripe pans, and tallow vats.
Some idea of the magnitude and scope of this depart-
ment will be formed by the fact that upwards of 450,000
units of electricity are used by the Society for the various
premises each year.
The whole of this department is under the supervision
of Mr. James Diggle. In him we have a thoroughly
competent man, who is fuUy capable of carrying through
to completion the whole of the requirements of such an
onerous and extensive department.
The Drapery Department is sub-divided into various
sections which comprise dress materials, silks, mantles,
and costumes, millinery, ladies' and children's outfitting,
gloves and fancies, furs, trimmings, and smallwares,
umbrellas, hosiery, Manchester goods, soft furnishing,
fancy needlework and embroidery.
The productive section comprises the making-up of
wearing apparel such as dresses, mantles, millinery, and
shirt making, employing here at the time of writing eighty
employes. The distributive section finds employment
for forty-five assistants, thus making a total of 125
employes in the whole department.
The distributive departments are the dress, miUinery,
mantles, curtains, hosiery, blankets, sheets, quilts, and the
usual .stock in trade of all drapery establishments.
Each of the special departments is under the care of
experienced and qualified persons, who devote their time
to cutting, fitting, and choosing styles for the different
garments they have to deal with, the whole being under the
management of Mr. Jonathan Cox.
The building in which these departments are housed
is situated at the junction of Bridge Street and St. George's
Street, and it is admitted to be one of the finest departments
for this trade in the Co-operative movement. Situated
as it is in such a prominent position, it stands forth as a
monument of the power of Co-operation locally.
562 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
The Boot and Shoe Department with its twelve Branches
pays more wages for production than any other. The
percentage of Co-operative purchases is also the largest,
and the combined stocks of all the shops will run to some-
thing like £6,000.
The class of boots worn in recent years is rtiuch lighter
in substance and more pUable than was the case fifteen years
ago. Consequently the rubber shoe trade is quite a
flourishing section.
Another popular department is the clog trade. We
produce all we sell and sell aU we make, using only the best
leather, a great proportion of which is locally curried.
Our Boot Repairing Department is a huge success, and
the two chief reasons are the quality of the materials used,
combined with the best trade union labour. It is admitted
by the trade that the leather used in our boot repairs is
of exceptionally good quality, and this partly explains the
reason of its success. In the workshop is a very large plant
which turns the repairs out like new boots. It practically
amounts to a revolution in boot repairing, being finished by
English modern machinery, and driven by electricity. A
plant is put down which is capable of finishing 2,000 pairs
per week. Our present figure is about 1,400, thus allowing
for an increase of 600 pairs per week.
Although the trade was £43,000 last year, we should be
highly pleased to stiU increase both the sale of new goods
as well as the repairs, and so follow out true Co-operation
by employing our own as weU as members of other' retail
Societies. The value offered is the best, and for smart
up-to-date styles in popular leathers we consider our stocks
and displays are worthy of the attention of the most
fastidious.
The Tailoring Department is situated at the corner of
Bark Street and Bridge Street, in the same building as the
Library and Reading-room. It is intended that when the
Educational Department gets settled in its new quarters
in Bow Street, that the portion of the building it formerly
occupied should be added to the Tailoring Department. It
BOOT AND SHOE WINDOW,
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 565
is hardly conceivable that a little over thirteen years ago,
when the tailoring was removed to its present quarters,
that the feeling then was that ample space was herein
provided for the expansion of this business for a very long
time to come. Well, we are pleased to say that the trade is
outgrowing the space, and the opportunity offered by the
removal of the Library, &c., will be taken advantage of for
increasing the facilities for business. More extensive fitting-
rooms and far better displays of the various goods which are
sold in the department wiU be provided for.
This department is under the management of Mr. Walter
Edward Mercer, who is a thoroughly practical tailor and
cutter, and a very considerable trade is done in high-class
bespoke tailoring for both ladies and gentlemen. This
particular section of the department occupies the front
portion of the second floor, where a splendid light is available
for the inspection of extensive ranges of materia], which
are laid out ready for the purpose. Without doubt, outside
the woollen warehouses the provinces do not contain one
firm that offers to its patrons in one building a better, more
varied, and well-chosen selection of suitable materia),
catering for the requirements and pockets of all, from low
prices to the highest qualities of productions . We may safely
say that our frock coat trade (including clerical) far exceeds
any other tailoring establishment in the town.
On the same floor as the bespoke tailoring, but in a
separate room, an extensive and varied stock of ready- for-
wear clothing for men and youths is always on hand,
comprising up-to-date overcoats, suits, fancy vests, odd
trousers, odd vests, unlined house jackets, alpaca jackets,
blazers, cricket and tennis trousers, and a large stock of
latest styles in rainproofs and waterproof garments. We
guarantee all our waterproofs to be waterproof.
On the ground floor the juveniles are specially catered
for, and we can with every confidence assert that for
variety of styles to select from, for excellency of finish, and
quality and value for money, we are not surpassed by any
other house in the trade. Boys' man-o'-war, long trousers,
suits, washing suits, tunics, blouses, kilted skirts and
566 History of the Great and Little Bolton
blouses, also a large variety of jerseys are always in stock.
On this floor aU classes of workmen's clothing are kept in
stock, including overalls, jackets, boiler suits in bluette,
linen and jean, men's, youths', and boys' cord and moleskin
trousers, vests, odd knickers, braces, and belts.
A large staff is kept in each department, and every
attention is given to the requirements of customers,
promptness and uniform courtesy being the rule throughout
the whole of the department. In our workshops connected
therewith are employed a staff of steady and competent
tailors, to whom the Bolton log prices are paid for all work
done by them.
We have also well-organised and fully-equipped divi-
sional workshops where the wages of all employed is well
up to the standard. Every one of our workpeople who have
served the Society for twelve months from June are paid
an average week's wage and given a full week's hoUday.
In the Butchering Department members may obtain
the very best quality of beef, mutton, pork, veal, home-
cured bacon and ham at reasonable prices ; also home-made
sausages, black puddings, polony, and pig's cheek fresh
daUy. Our own prepared tripe is also a speciality. Arrange-
ments have been made for supplying members with turkeys,
geese, and rabbits, fresh consignments of which are received
every Friday morning, and orders for any of these articles
may be left at any of the Branch Stores and wiU receive
attention.
Mr. William Riley is its Manager, and he has the super-
vision of the Central and thirty Branches, which are doing
a trade of £65,000 annually.
The slaughter-house is in All Saints' Street, and it is
quite safe to say that it is one of the finest of its kind in
Bolton.
In conjunction with this department a new freehold
40-acre farm has been purchased by the Society, with house,
barn, and other accommodation. Cattle, purchased when
markets are easy, can be stocked here until required, and
food grown for their use. The Society's horses can also be
Co-operative Society Limited. 567
given a rest and a change, should occasion arise. This land
is absolutely acquired for accommodation purposes, and is
not a farm worked for profit in the ordinary sense of the
term, but simply an indispensable adjunct to the department
with which it is chiefly associated. Before leaving the work
of this department it cannot be too strongly impressed upon
our members that " quality," is the watchword all through.
Only the best of cattle, chiefly bullocks and heifers, are
purchased, the Manager being restricted as to the class of
purchases to be made. Our policy is to supply members
with the very best quality of meat obtainable at prices
which will compare with any other firm for similar quality.
Prime English beef, mutton, and lamb, killed on our own
premises and supplied to our shops fresh daily.
The Furnishing Department, under the management of
Mr. Walter Murray, is capable of supplying every requisite
for the furnishing of a home from the indispensable crockery
— of which there is always a splendid assortment on hand —
pans, brushes, cutlery, hardware, ironmongery, to the
whole of the furniture required for the various rooms. Do
not judge this department from what meets the eye alone,
as you will find that a most varied and well-selected stock
is kept of carpets, oilcloths, and many other things, which
will be gladly submitted to your inspection. Further, new
and improved designs in bedroom, dining-room, drawing-
room, kitchen furniture and utensils are always available.
We cordially invite inspection of our extensive stock of
household furniture in aU its branches. In addition to this,
of course, there is on view all the thousands of various
articles required for furnishing, exhibition of which is free
to all, whether purchasing or looking round. It is our
greatest pleasure to extend the invitation to everybody,
purchasers or sightseers.
Our own workshop is on the premises, and two polishers,
one cabinet-maker, and three upholsterers are there
employed in attending to any repairs that may be required.
They also produce any special requirements of the members.
Picture-framing orders receive prompt attention. Although
the sales of this department show a steadily-improving
568 History of the Great and Little Bolton
tendency, there is not the slightest doubt that if the advan-
tages of purchasing in this department and its large and
Varied stock were better and more generally known, the
annual turnover as a result would be largely increased
thereby. A look round either for immediate or future pur-
chases will be welcomed. There is every evidence that the
artistic displays made in this department are not only
attracting the attention of our members but others also,
and it is a common sight to see the windows attracting
crowds of people.
AN UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIAL.
(From the ' Furniture Record," London.)
At the Co-operative Society of Bolton a splendid display is made
by the Manager of the Furniture Department. On the occasion of
our visit the window was arranged as a drawing-room, containing
almost everything calculated to attract, a noticeable feature being
the window, through the curtains of which could be seen a picture of
distant snow-covered hills, cleverly arranged. On a table in the
window was a large jar of gold fish, and immediately above a couple
of canaries in a, gilt cage, the whole producing a most home-like and
happy effect. This, we think, is what windows are for, and we con-
gratulate the Manager on his efforts.
It is always a pleasure to show our members and their
friends through our extensive showrooms, which are always
stocked with the latest and best of the season's goods.
The Hat and Cap Department opened on March 24th,
1882, and a quarter's sales amounted to £440. For the
corresponding quarter last year the sales were ^1,567. Of
the utility of this department there is no question. This is
under the management of Mr. John Slater. When first
started only a small shop was allotted to it, the one now
used by our Confectionery Department. This, however,
soon proved inadequate to the wants of the members, and
a move was made to the premises at present occupied in
the year 1897. This move was considered a good one, and
the premises thought at the time to be large enough for our
requirements for many years to come.
The umbrella and re-covering trade alone has grown so
much that the department is now a little cramped for room.
Co-operative Society Limited. 569
and as such an extensive variety of goods are also held for
the requirements of this department, such as silk hats, felt
hats, tweeds, straw hats, and fancy caps for children, collars,
fronts, ties, &c., the needs of the department can easily be
recognised on any busy day. The trade last year amounted
to a turnover of £5,801. A large trade is done through the
Wholesale by this department. A very large and varied
stock of caps is held, and the goods handled give general
satisfaction.
In the Jewellery and Optical Department we have a
splendid selection of Clocks and Jewellery, also special lines
in Ladies' Dress and Engagement Rings, Fancy Combs,
Belts, and fine art Pendants. Our stock of Ladies' and
Gents' Watches is greater than ever, by all the leading
makers.
The Geneva Opthalmoscope and Retinoscope, a model
pair of instruments for modern sight testing, have recently
been added to our Optical and Jewellery Department.
It is acknowledged that the most reliable, accurate, and
scientifically correct results are more easily and quickly
obtained by an actual examination of the eye rather than
relying upon the answers obtained from a patient. By the
above instruments we are able to test the sight in less time
than by other methods, and without asking any questions.
Sight tested by a qualified optician.
The department is under the management of Mr. Joseph
Hardman, himself a practical watchmaker and jeweller,
and is a growing one. It may not generally be known that
members can have all their old electro-plate renovated and
done up as good as new either in silver or nickel at a very
moderate charge. We also do the remodelling of wedding
rings and make them up as dress rings to any design required.
There is also a selection of loose stones of all descriptions
for customers to choose from in case they want a special
ring made up to some particular design. Any jewellery work
of any kind can be undertaken by practical working
jewellers, and the prices will compare favourably with those
of other concerns.
570 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Our Restaurant Department is situated in Bow Street,
and Mr. Henry Bray, its Manager, is keenly anxious that
his department shall be a success, and he does everything
possible to attain it.
We have received a very kind letter from a stranger to
our Society in which he says, speaking of our Restaurant : —
I must congratulate you upon the admirable manner in which the
meals are served. The food is good, and the service is very smart,
and it is a pleasure for me to have a meal there.
When next in town call in the Restaurant, Bow Street
(corner of Bridge Street), and we feel sure you wUl endorse
the above voluntary opinion.
The provision of meals is, of course, its special feature,
and there is a Smokeroom provided in connection therewith
also. Catering is done for private parties, teas, lunches,
either on our own premises or wherever required. The
place is light, airy, and comfortable, and is fitted up with
every modern convenience, and it is open all day from 9 a.m.
to TO p.m.
Milk, pure and sweet, is an increasing necessity of our daily
life. It therefore follows that all our efforts to attain such
a desideratum are worthy of support. The Milk Department
commenced with two carts on April 3rd, 1886, selling on an
average 140 dozen and 25 pints per week to 360 customers.
A great deal of opposition was met with at the first on every
hand. Old-established connections could not be broken off,
and, again, there was a great want of faith in the new venture
which was steadily fostered by interested parties by tales of
watered mUk, -sour milk, and other stories. For a very long
time only a slow progress was recorded. In May, 1887, a
third cart was started, but it had to be taken off again in
December, 1887, owing to the lack of support and the more
organised opposition met with.
However, the venture was not killed, as expected, but
quietly proceeded along its even course, picking up a
customer here and another there as its utility and value
came to be recognised, and finally, in February, 1894, a
third cart had to be put on again. Since that time the
■confidence of our members has been slowly gained, and their
Co-operative Society Limited.
571
support forthcoming, and thus good progress has been
made. This may be seen from the following b'st of the
milk carts put on the road : —
Average Weekly Sales.
4th Cart started November, 1896 258 dozen.
5th „
, December, i8g8 . . . .
400 ,,
6th ,,
September, 1899 . . . .
■ ■ ■ 525 „
7th „
, January, 1900 . . . .
6gi ,,
8th „
, August, 1900 . .,. .
■ • ■ 781 „
9th „
, September, 1900 . . . .
805
loth „ ,
, January, 1901 . . . .
975
nth „
, March, 1901 . . . .
1072 „
I2th „
November, 1901 . . . .
■ ■ ■ 1278
13th „
April, 1902 . . . .
• ■ ■ 1502
14th „
, February, 1903 . . . .
1906
15th „
November, 1903 . . . .
2165
i6th „
, October, 1904 . . . .
. . . 2260 ,,
17th „
September, 1905 . . . .
• • • 2447
i8th „
, April, 1907 . . . .
■ ■ • 2764
19th „
, January, igo8 . . . .
■ ■ • 29g5
We are now serving daily 7,270 private houses, besides
a large number of shops, with over 5,400 quarts of milk
daily. Such a record as this speaks for itself as to the value
and success of this department, which is under the charge
of Mr. John Hardy.
When entering into our milk contracts we have a written
guarantee from each farmer that each and every delivery
of milk supplied to us shall be absolutely pure, and with all
its cream on. Our supply of milk is received from twenty-
six different farms, which are situated in the best agri-
cultural districts of Lancashire. Scares have been engineered
through the Press and otherwise in order to create a
prejudice against our milk, and, in order to show that we are
taking every precaution in connection with our supplies,
samples of milk are frequently taken to Mr. Walter Rad-
cliffe, the Borough Analyst, who tests them and reports to
the Society as to the quality and standard of such samples.
If the milic is not up to the standard of the requirements of
the Food and Drugs Act, a special report is sent by him to the
Committee, and the matter is dealt with at once. This, how-
ever, very rarely occurs, as the maj ority of the reports received
state that the quality of our milk is of a very high standard,
and contains more than the necessary percentage of fats.
572 History of the Great and Little Bolton
It has always been the endeavour of this department to
deliver our milk in the cleanest possible manner, and to be
courteous and obliging to all our customers. AU kits are
washed and steamed before being sent back to the farmers.
There has also been added to the Dairy in connection
with this department a complete set of machinery for cream
separating and butter making, therefore rich, thick cream
can now be supplied at 4d. per mug. Our own make of new
butter at is. 4d. per lb. ; machine-separated milk at Id.
per quart ; buttermilk id. per quart ; and pure new milk
at 3d. per quart is now obtainable.
If it had not been for the existence and the success of
this department, there is no question that the price charged
for milk supplies locally would long ago have been raised,
and also for the milk products. We have all along been the
restraining influence.
We can, therefore, confidently caU. attention to this
department, from which is sold nothing but the pure and
unadulterated new milk, which is supplied to us from the
best of farms, and under a warranty to contain all its cream.
The price charged is reasonable : 3d. per quart, with divi-
dend allowed, and it is delivered twice daUy. Those who
are not giving us their patronage and desire to do so, may
leave their name and address at any of our Branches, and
the delivery float will call with their order. All the butter
produced can be sold readily, but, unfortunately, we are not
yet in a position to cater for a much larger trade in this
article.
The Clothing Club in connection with our Society has
now attained such dimensions that outsiders are simply
amazed when they are told that a club reaches over ;£2i,ooo
for twenty weeks' operations. Yet such is the fact, and
there is no doubt that it has proved of great help to many of
our members.
The following facts are interesting : —
We do not pay collectors large commissions for collecting,
thus increasing the price of goods to club customers, but
aU club customers are treated just like cash customers. No
Co-operative Society Limited. 573
increased prices. Their 20s. coupon is just as good as
twenty shillings. Dividend is paid alike to clubs and cash.
Through the Clothing Club the following can be obtained :
All kinds of Drapery, Dressmaking, Millinery, Ladies' and
Children's Outfitting, Jackets and Cloaks of all descriptions ;
Blankets, Flannels, Umbrellas, Collars, Cuffs, Ties, Boots,
Shoes, Clogs, Slippers, Tailors' Goods, Hats and Caps,
Furniture, Carpets, Oilcloths, Linoleums, Matting,
Squeezers, Coal, Jewellery, Photographic Outfits, &c.
The Co-operative Hall will accommodate 600 to 700
people, and occupies the top floor of the Central premises
in Bridge Street. There are two staircases which can be
used as a means of ingress and egress. When not required
for meetings or other purposes, it may be engaged. For
terms and dates apply at the Office.
This small sketch of our trading departments has been
compiled in the hope of furnishing information to some of
our later members, who may not be cognisant of the
ramifications of the Society, and what its facilities are for
trade and other purposes. Co-operators, in order to get the
fullest advantage out of their own Society, should therefore
be thorough, and loyally purchase from every department.
The whole of the buildings occupied by the Society are
its own property, except the following Branches : Bradshaw,
Bank Top, and Belmont.
We are proud also to record that faithful service in
connection with our own Society has been a stepping-stone
to good positions in other Societies and firms. To name a
few : Mr. Percy Farnworth is now the Borough Treasurer ;
Mr. Walter Pomfret is now the Secretary of the Manchester
and Salford Society ; Mr. WiUiam Nisbet is now the
Secretary of the Wigan Society ; Mr. John Taylor is the
Manager of the Leeds Drapery Department ; Mr. Thomas
Hilton is the Furnishing Manager to the same Society ;
Mr. Burrows is the Butchering Manager of the Droylsden
Society ; Mr. Nathaniel Hall is the Butchering Manager of
the Horwich Society ; and Mr. Fred Eccles is the Grocery
Manager for the Burnley Society.
574 Gy^cLt oi'nd Little Bolton Co-o-perative Society Limited.
CHAPTER LXVI.
THE EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE AND
ITS WORK.
" 'Tis education that forms the common mind,
Just as the twig is bent, so is the tree inchned."
" A great hbrary contains the diary of the human race.''
Started by the Pioneers — 2j per cent set aside — First Library
started in Reading-room — Its growth to the present time —
Central and Branch Reading-rooms — Co-operative
Libraries — Classes on Co-operation — Scholarship Scheme
started — High-class Lectures established — Half-fees paid —
Classes taken over by Corporation — Propaganda Work —
Children's Classes — Children's Festival — Women's Guild
— Choral Society — Debating Society — Sickroom Appliances
— Further support desired.
ALTHOUGH this is a separate department, managed by
its own Committee, specially appointed for the
purpose by the members and directly responsible to
them for their doings, it is very difficult to separate their
part of the work in the making of the history of the Society
without destroying its continuity and completeness. It is
fully evident that our pioneers thought that this Society
would be incomplete without education being part and
parcel of its constitution ; therefore, they made the necessary
provision for the same in their original rules in 1859. Their
own want of education made them to recognise its import-
ance, and it stimulated them to put forth increased exertions
to supply that deficiency in the future. One of the chief
aims of the founders was not only to improve the social but
the intellectual condition of the people. To be able to read
and write in those days was considered a valuable and
special accomplishment, and few men and fewer women
could do it.
Educational Committee.
Mr. THOMAS LEE,
\r~'
:.^
Mr. WM. 6KEGS0N.
Educational Committee.
Mr. THOS. BENSON.
Mr. JOHN SEED.
NN
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 579
From the very first 2J per cent of the profits have been
set aside for educational purposes, and, although several
attempts have been made to reduce the percentage allotted
for this purpose, so far they have all ended in failure. To
the credit of the Bolton Co-operative Society must be laid
the fact that for fifty years without a break it has allotted
steadfastly the 2 J per cent for educational and other
purposes.
The first start of the Library was in 1862 by the provision
of a few books in the Acresfield Reading-room for reference
purposes, and the adding of a few volumes from time to time
was proudly chronicled, until now about 20,000 volumes,
comprising fiction, general philosophy, history, biography,
political and social science, natural history, geography,
travels, general literature, and a small reference library are
the property of the department. The Lending Library has
an average weekly circulation of over 2,000 volumes, and
is one of the departments that is weU used by the members
in their search for information connected with their studies.
The work of the department is of a varied character, yet it
is fully appreciated in every branch. The Central and
fifteen Branch Reading-rooms, with a supply of over 700
papers and magazines, are, in some instances, used to their
utmost capacity, and it is now a question of making provision
to give increased facilities and greater accommodation, both
for the Lending Library and Central Reading-room, by a
removal into new premises in Bow Street. The Reading-
rooms are situated as follows : — Bark Street, over the
Central Tailoring Department, from which premises they
will shortly remove to the first floor over the new Offices in
Bow Street. Branches : — 254, Chorley Old Road ; 89,
Tonge Moor Road ; 582, Blackburn Road, Astley Bridge ;
149, Halliwell Road ; 78, Beaconsfield Street ; 100, St.
Helens Road ; Horsefield Street, Deane ; 70, Rishton Lane ;
349, Bury Road, Tonge Fold ; 288, Radcliffe Road, Darcy
Lever ; i, Eskrick Street ; 278, Blackburn Road ; Turton
Road, next to Grocery Store ; Biadshaw, next to Grocery
Store.
To these must be added the fine Thomasson Co-operative
Reading-room, built by the late J. P. Thomasson, formerly
580 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Member of Parliament for Bolton. The executors of Mr.
Thomasson pay all the expenses connected with this
establishment except caretaking and cleaning.
All these rooms are well supplied with daily and weekly
papers and monthly periodicals, and are open every week
day from 8 a.m. to 9-30 p.m.
Co-operative Libraries. — A Store with a good Library is,
ten to one, in a vigorous condition. Locally the members
had been worked into earnestness even before they had
begun to devote part of their funds to education ; they
were thoroughly convinced of the value of Co-operation, and
thus there could be no falling away. Having formed their
Library, they began to use it. No matter what they read
likely to be found in a Co-operative Library, their minds
were enlightened, strengthened, broadened, and, con-
sequently, they saw the question of Co-operation in its true
light, and became zealous in the cause and strove to good
purpose. The Library attracted members to the Store, or
kept them well employed in their leisure at home, and thus
made them a more useful and intelligent part of society, as
befits bodies of Co-operators. Even those who voted in the
minority against the establishment of an educational fund
saw its benefits through the Library, and from noisy and
passive opposition they went on to silent admiration, and.
finally, outspoken approval. The Library grew to be the
bond between Co-operation and other pleasant associations ;
a store, as it were, of counsellors cdways ready to advise
disinterestedly. After a few years the general Store itself
would have been parted with rather than that the Library
should suffer. The Reading-room and the well-stocked
bookshelves were soon the part of the institution shown
first and with most pride to the visitor, or, if deferred for
inspection at the last, thus kept in reserve as a crown of all
to be lingered over. The Free Libraries in our towns are
excellent, but they are not universal. The Co-operative
Library can be made common to every village, and, as an
Englishman has a pride in what is most closely his own, the
Co-operative Library should be dearer than the town
Library. To the Co-operative Libraries we can say, with
discretion and heartiness, increase and multiply. One thing
Co-operative Society Limited. 581
we can claim for our Library is that it has been the pioneer
of library work in the town. We were the first to discard
the old system of cloth backing of books, which gave them
a workhouse appearance. We adopted the issuing of books
to members for fourteen days for reading purposes twenty
years before the same system was adopted in the local town
Library, and now we are changing the system of issue to the
open or free access system, which is of such general utility.
Boxes of books are sent out weekly to Belmont and
Bradshaw.
For several years we have had Classes for the employes
who may be desirous of studying the principles of
Co-operation, and also a practical Class.
This year Bolton was made a centre for a Managers'
Class under the auspices of the Co-operative Union, over
thirty from this Society becoming students.
Two years ago a Scholarship Scheme was launched, and,
whilst scarcely coming up to expectations so far, it has been
of great benefit to a number of children in attendance at
our Secondary Schools, the maintenance grant cdlowed by
the Educational Department being a distinct boon to their
parents.
The inauguration of first-class Lectures in 1908 was
greatly appreciated ; consequently, these are being
continued during the winter of 1909-10.
Half-fees are paid to members or members' children who
attend the Evening Classes as students under the auspices
of the borough education authorities, the amount paid last
year for this purpose being added to the cost of the tickets
sold at half-price in connection with the University
Extension Lectures, these two items alone taking up over
£260 yearly. This is to encourage attendance.
During the past ten or twelve years considerable changes
have taken place in Evening Class work. The passing of
the Technical Instruction Act, and later the Education Act
of 1902, gave the Borough Education Committee extended
powers, with the result that all the Classes previously run
by this and kindred Societies were absorbed, thus leaving
the Educational Committee with better facilities for
carrying on purely Co-operative education.
582 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Children's Classes for the teaching of the principles of
Co-operation were started some years ago, and have
developed very rapidly this year, there being this session
over 700 children studying the text-book, " Our Story,"
which, as its title implies, is a short history of the industrial
conditions under which the Co-operative movement began.
Propaganda meetings, lectures, and concerts are held
during, the season in both our own Hall and in the suburbs,
and.throiughout the district generally.
The Children's Festival or Field Day was first held in
1902, and is worked by the Educational Committee, pro-
vision being made for 5,000 children. Since that time,
however, the number has been increased to 10,000, the
average attendance, including adults, being about 14,000,
at a cost of about ;f 157. It is a time eargely looked forward
to by the children.
The Educational Committee assist the Women's Guild
financially to the extent of about ^48 per annum. They
meet weekly in the Small Hall.
The " Babies' Welcome," opened in the Thomasson
Reading-room on November 9th, 1908, started under the
auspices of the Women's Guild, the Educational Committee
bearing the initial cost, amounting to {xo. 2s. This work
has advertised itself. News of it has spread, and mothers
have come from different parts of the town.
The Bolton Co-operative Choral Society was formed in
1903, and now numbers 80 members, under the leadership
of Mr. A. Knight, A.R.C.O. The cost of this to the depart-
ment is about £'^2 annually, if we include the Singing Class
also.
The Bolton Co-operative Debating Society is now in its
seventh session. Although this meets a want demanded
by the members, the numbers who have so far availed them-
selves are hardly worthy of a large Society like Bolton.
Those who have seized the opportunity have found the
debates to be both instructive and helpful.
Our Sickroom Appliances have been very much
appreciated by our members. During the last year we had
250 separate applications, some of whom required two or
three articles. We make a small charge only for the loan of
Co-operative Society Limited. 583
each article required. The total cost of the appliances up
to date has been over £^0, and we received back again
during igo8 the sum of {/j. 17s. 8d. These are also worked
entirely through the Educational Department, and consist
of water bed, air cushions, ice caps, leg cradles, urinals, bed
rests, hot-water bottles, bed pans, water pillows, waterproof
sheets, and feeding and spitting cups. We also loan out
opera and field glasses, stereoscopes and views, and medical
batteries.
The Educational Committee are pleased to see that the
members are taking greater advantage of the facilities
afforded by them, but they would like to see the whole of
the various sections utilised to their fullest extent, and thus
enhance the credit of the department. If this is done we
feel sure that the members will personally appreciate what
is being done for their benefit in connection with this
department, and so make it a more useful and valuable
adjunct to the Society's work. Too often we are met with
the remarks that we did not know that such and such things
could.be obtained through the help afforded by its labours,
and increased knowledge of its working is bound to mean
extended usefulness.
584 (^^s'lt and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
CHAPTER LXVII.
WOMEN'S GUILD.
" Each one performs his hfework, and then leaves it ;
Those that come after him will estimate
His influence on the age in which he lived."
Starting the Guild — Opening Meeting — First Guild Con-
ference held in Bolton — Purpose of Guild — Discussion
at Meetings — Self -Government — Loyalty — Its Advantages
to Women — Training for Citizenship.
IN Co-operative Societies there are large numbers of
women members. In the Bolton Society half the
members, or more than half, are women. It is desirable
that their influence and power should be stimulated and
directed towards helping the higher aims of the movement,
in addition to their acknowledged weight and force in
" basket power." To this end the Women's Co-operative
Guild came into being in the year 1883. It has now in
England and Wales 509 branches and 25,800 members. It
is an organisation of women connected with Industrial
Co-operative Societies. The branch at Bolton came into
existence on October 5th, 1886. The opening meeting was
held in the Co-operative Hall, and an address was given by
Miss Greenwood (Rochdale), Mr. William Lander (Bolton)
being the Chairman. The officers elected to begin the
work were : — President, Miss Reddish ; Treasurer, Mrs.
Batten ; Secretary, Mrs. Wood ; Committee, Misses Gent,
Greenhalgh, Lord, Wolstencroft, Murgatroyd, and Entwistle.
The first Guild Conference in the North- Western Section
was held under the auspices of the Bolton Branch on
December 7th, 1889, in the Society's General Boardroom.
Delegates were present from Sheffield, Colne, Manchester,
Bolton, Burnley, Rochdale. Mrs. Holt (Rochdale) pre-
sided, and Miss Reddish read a paper on " Guild Work."
Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited. 587
Miss LI. Davies (General Secretary) addressed the delegates
present. Miss LI. Davies also spoke at the evening meeting
held in the Co-operative Hall, when the Chairman was Mr.
John Thomasson, then President of the Society.
The purpose of the Guild is to spread a knowledge of the
principles of Co-operation, to induce loyalty, to draw Co-
operative women together in a friendly way for mutual
helpfulness, and to gain knowledge in domestic and social
subjects. The Bolton Branch has now 260 members, with
a large average attendance at its weekly meetings, which
are held on Thursday evenings in the Co-operative Small
Hall.
As might be expected to take place at gatherings of
" purchasers," the price of goods at the Stores is often under
discussion. It is also usual for women to attend the
meetings of their Societies in greater numbers than formerly.
As the men of the movement are gradually coming to see
that the Guild can become a valuable auxiliary, so are the
women gradually awakening to their powers.
The principle underlying the whole organisation of the
Guild, from top to bottom, is that of self-government.
Women's chief field of action is in • Co-operative Stores,
which are owned and managed by the members. The whole
existence of a Store depends on the trade which the women
bring to it. Their support is indispensable ; therefore,
loyalty is the first principle of the Guild. Neither dividend
nor Co-operative principles can always keep women loyal,
especially if there is a tendency to inflate prices in order to
make unduly high dividends. A considerable strain is put
on our members by the competition of outside shops. It
is hard — often impossible — for the housewife with a large
family and only a small wage to resist buying low-priced
goods. The Co-operative movement rests on the appa-
rently prosaic acts of buying and selling, but the prose may
almost be said to turn into romance when we see what
results may arise from this action.
To the credit of the Co-operative movement it may be
said that, as a whole, it has opened its doors to women on
the .same terms as men. The Rules of the maioritv of
588 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Societies admit to membership any adult man or woman,
and this opportunity is largely taken advantage of by
different members in a family.
" The duties of Co-operators as citizens " is a well-known
phrase in the movement ; and, though women are still
deprived of the right of citizenship, this has not prevented
Guild women from learning citizens' duties, and performing
them as far as they are able. Co-operation has its relation
to the municipality and State as well as to industrial organi-
sations. The members who form the Guild are almost
entirely married women belonging to the artisan class, and
are associated through their husbands and relatives with
all the prevailing trades in the localities in which the Guild
branches are situated.
It will thus be seen that the Guild stands, as previously
explained, for the organised purchasing or consuming power
of the working-class community of the country.
" Of whole heart cometh hope."
ir
Co-o-perative Society Limited. 5^9
CHAPTER LXVIII.
THE BOLTON "RECORD."
" The pen and the Press give spice and zest.''
A LOCAL Co-operative journal is a necessity to each
Society as soon as it can be afforded. The Bolton
Co-operative Society did not possess such a journal
until 1889, the iirst number being issued in December of
that year, with a monthly circulation of 10,000 copies,
gratis. The aims and objects of such a publication were
fittingly set forth in its introduction " To our Readers."
In issuing the first number of our " Record " it seems fitting to offer
a few words as to the reasons that have induced the Educational
Committee to take this new departure.
We have long felt the need of some means of bringing before our
members the various notices relating to the Society in its different
departments, and we think that the " Record " will meet this want.
In a large Society like ours some method of keeping members
informed of the various meetings is required, and we hope in the
" Record " to give, month by month, reports of the business meetings,
and also of the lectures given under the auspices of the Educational
Department, together with any notes of progress of the Society
generally, or any matter likely to be of interest to members.
It will thus be seen that our object is not to issue a family paper,
but simply a record of the work and objects of the Bolton Co-opera-
tive Society, and what is being done to advance the same.
This object has been well fulfilled. The circulation was
increased to 12,000 copies monthly, and again in 1904 to
14,000, with a further increase to 15,000 copies in 1905, at
which figure the circulation now stands. As a medium of
communication to members its claims are generally admitted
as ranking high, and its sphere of usefulness great.
The educational value of a publication such as our own
cannot be estimated. It will have the tendency of making
more loyal Co-operators, extending their sympathies, and
giving an impetus in dealing with difficulties, We shall be
590 History of the Great and Little Bolton
able to use it as a means of educating the rising generation
as to the purpose and object of the different institutions
in the movement. We often hear complaints that the
newspapers in general do not give Co-operators much
consideration in their columns. This is only what we may
expect. These papers are carried on as commerical under-
takings, and it is only natural that they will cater for
those who find the major portion of the income by which
the paper is maintained, and their interests will receive
first attention.
Local matters very -naturally should have first considera-
tion, and we now find that for recording and preserving
current events for historical purposes, and for reference,
this publication is invaluable. It is hoped that it will
continue to be increasingly useful.
Co-operative Society Limited. ^()X
CHAPTER LXIX.
THE CO-OPERATIVE WHOLESALE SOCIETY
LIMITED.
Start of Wholesale — Its Aim — Traders Only — Production
Started — Particulars of the Bolton Society's Interest —
Purchases from Wholesale.
CHE first conference held to consider the advisabihty
of establishing the present Co-operative Wholesale
Society was held on Christmas Day, 1862, in the
Lecture-room of the Industrial Store, Oldham. The dele-
gates who attended this conference were very numerous.
No records are in existence of those who went to the meeting
from Bolton, but during the year 1863 an investment of ^^22
los. is recorded as being made in the shares of the North of
England Wholesale Agency (Wholesale Society now), which
was then started. This Society is now world-wide in its
business dealings, and, although we as members of the
Bolton Co-operative Society have always been bound up
in connection with its affairs, this Society, which started
after us, has successes standing to its credit which far
outstrip ours.
The aim of this Society is given in the first report issued j
by the C.W.S. It reads :—
The object sought to be attained is to bring the producer and
consumer into more immediate contact, and thus enhance the profits
of Co-operation by diminishing the cost of distribution. This, we
believe, can be done with the least possible risk by aggregating the
whole or part of the Societies in the North of England, and buying
the commodities required with ready money in quantities sufficiently
large to command the best markets. By securing Societies against
imposition in the days of their infancy and inexperience, and enabling
592 History of the Great and Little Bolton
them to purchase on more advantageous terms than the largest
Societies have hitherto done, we shall ensure the healthy extension
and consolidation of our movement.
At first its trade was confined to the purchase and
distribution of goods required by the Societies federated
with it, but in the year 1873 the principle of production
also WEis put into active operation by the erection and
completion of the Crumpsall Biscuit Works. The
Co-operative Wholesale Society stands forth to the world
as a magnificent monument of what the working classes
have done for themselves, and a brilliant example of the
power of the workers to achieve their own economic
salvation.
We live in the age of combines. The theoretical
Socialists tell us that this massing of capitalistic forces will
go on until in self-defence the State, which means the
people, will have to acquire aggregated monopolies, and the
people getting into possession of land and the instruments
of industry they wUl come into their own. But this age is
above aU practical, and we have to deal with that which is
at hand, leaving the theories to prove true or false in the
future. So the Co-operative movement is in the trend of
things actual. Individual Societies learned long ago that
there were some things they could do best collectively,
and the English and Scottish Wholesale Societies came
into being, and have justified their existence by conferring
immense benefits on the Societies affiliated to them. Wisdom
calls to a further combination of our forces. Scotch
Co-operators have achieved success in some fields of
production that we on this side of the Border have not
entered into, and the same remark applies to our Scotch
comrades with regard to ourselves. It is, therefore, simply
obejdng the dictates of common sense that the two great
Wholesales should endeavour to take advantage of each
other's experience and enterprise.
Co-operators wUl never realise their ideal until they
produce what they consume. The variety of ways in which
this is being done comes out in contrast now compared to
only a dozen years ago, and with the experience already
Co-operative Society Limited.
593
gained — in some instances at great cost — we may anticipate
greater operations. With the vast financial resources at
their command and the ever-widening number of consumers
ready to take goods with the Co-operative stamp on them,
the two Wholesales may reasonably venture more into
productive undertakings. The result wiU be all round more
satisfactory than the tentative attitude of the past. The
Wholesale Societies have proved that they can successfully
initiate and manage industrial establishments, as, for
instance, the Leicester Boot Factory, and the Societies
affiliated to them should urge them on until within the
bounds of the Co-operative movement Co-operators find
their daUy needs, and even luxuries supplied. When
Co-operators make up their mind in earnest to be content
with nothing less than their own productions, the demand
will be met.
The following are the particulars of the Bolton
Co-operative Society's share and loan accounts with the
Co-operative Wholesale Society Limited, from the com-
mencement in 1863 :^
Sbare Account.
Loan Account.
Total—
share and Loan
Accounts.
Cash Deposited . . .
Dividend
Share Interest . . .
Loan Interest ....
33187 I
762 II
250 7
d.
3
0
9
£ s.
15500 0
93380 2
22988 16
51270 19
d.
0
3
I
5
£ s. d.
48687 I 3
94142 13 3
23239 3 10
51270 19 5
Cash Withdrawn..
34200 0
0
183139 17
130765 0
9
0
217339 17 9
130765 0 0
Claim Nov. 30th,
IQOQ
34200 0
0
52374 17
9
86574 17 9
The number of shares held is 6,840, and the amount paid
is £34,200, nothing being unpaid on these shares. The
share account was opened in November, 1863, and the loan
account in October, 1871.
These particulars show the state of accounts.
00
594
History of the Great and Little Bolton
The following are the Bolton Society's purchases from
the Co-operative Wholesale Society : —
Grocery.
Drapery and
Woollens.
Boots and
Furniture.
Totals.
1864 to 1876
T-^77
1878
1879
1880
1881
1882
1883
1884
1885
1886
1887
1888
1889
1890
1891
1892
1893
1894
1895
1896
1897
1898
1899
1900
I90I
1902
1903
1904
1905
1906
1907
1908
1909
£
38647
42378
46936
36729
55767
68821
82073
93437
91751
92090
88101
111546
132387
148350
180543
192850
198000
187452
188532
191659
175426
164467
179365
191720
208637
222911
240638
247320
266654
317576
347837
333860
357333
1775
2284
2800
1381
2707
3357
4173
5054
5085
5595
6518
6839
8076
11294
14651
14855
15328
17604
19945
17700
16764
18229
20604
16119
18248
18486
18421
19858
22439
26222
22821
24931
1134
2131
1817
2008
3584
5558
10359
10749
7162
11518
10636
12031
14175
15238
17596
17877
15452
16992
19411
22950
24787
24305
26770
28611
30070
2901 1
30728
28158
29535
33574
32848
32833
36403
£
111680
41556
46793
51553
40028
62058
77736
96605
109240
103998
109203
105255
100416
154638
172554
209433
225378
228307
219772
225547
234554
217913
205536
224364
240935
254826
270170
289852
293899
316047
373589
406907
389564
418667
Grand Total
/6,628,573
Co-operative Society Limited. 595
CHAPTER LXX.
THE BOLTON CO-OPERATIVE CABINET-
MAKERS' SOCIETY LIMITED.
" Train your children to be their own employers, rather than
sweeten toil in rags for avarice that counts his gold in bags."
How Started — Its Growth — Constitution — Number of Em-
ployes— Aim of Society — Support Asked For — Its Trade
Mark.
CHIS local Society commenced business on November
20th, 1892, to carry on the trade of cabinet-making
in all its branches. The promoters of the Society
were of opinion that Co-operation was the only remedy to
cure the evils they were suffering under at the time, which
were : low wages, uncertainty of employment, and last, but
not least, unhealthy working conditions. At the end of
1892 they had twenty members, all of whom were active
members of the local trade union. They commenced with
employing three hands, which number at the end of June,
1893, had grown to ten. During that period goods had been
sold to the value of £459, and the capital standing to
members' credit was ^^124. The rules state that each
member shall hold not less than five £j. shares, and that divi-
dend on capital shall be at the rate of 5 per cent, the net
profits remaining to be apportioned as follows : («) To
workers employed by the Society, 40 per cent ; (&) To a
social and educational fund, 15 per cent ; (c) To capital, 10
per cent ; [d] special services fund, 10 per cent ; [e) To
customers, 25 per cent. For the half year ending June,
1894, the sales amounted to i^TJ, and the share capital had
risen to £228. The total number of hands employed in 1894
was twenty-one. At the end of June, 1909, the number of
shareholders was fifty-four, with a share capital of £1,415,
5g6 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited,.
and loan capital £1,615. The employes numbered thirty-
nine, and the trade for the six months amounted to £2,362.
The aim of this Society is to raise the standard of furniture
used in the district, and also do away with sweated goods
coming into the town. The Committee earnestly appeal to
aU Co-operators and trade unionists for practical sympathy
and support by purchasing at the Stores goods made by this
Society, as by so doing they will not only benefit themselves
but will also be helping forward the movement which has
for its goal the placing of the worker in his true position,
i.e., his own employer. Every article made by them is
stamped with the seal of the Society : "A mallet and chisel
crossed," which is a guarantee of its being made under fair
conditions of labour.
Since going to press we learn of the death of Mr. Richard
V. Higginson, one of the pioneers and Secretary of the
Co-operative Cabinet-makers' Society. There is no doubt
that his business capacity and general knowledge of details
has been invaluable to this Society. As its Secretary he was
able to influence business at times, and his loss wiU no doubt
be greatly felt. Passing at the early age of forty-one, his
influence yet remains as a monument for good. In the
agitation which led up to the formation of this Society
Mr. Higginson was prominent, and he has at aU times had
its interests fuUy at heart.
The following gentlemen have been representatives of
the Bolton Co-operative Society on the Committee of
Management of the Bolton Co-operative Cabinet-makers'
Society Limited : —
Mr. Robert Fray. Elected February, 1898 ; resigned
March, 1899.
Mr. Thomas Crossley. Elected March, 1899 ; resigned
March, 1902.
Mr. Richard G. Crowshaw. Elected March, 1902 ;
resigned December, 1902.
Mr. Wm. Yates. Elected February, 1903 ; resigned
February, 1905.
Mr. John Kirkman. Elected February, 1905.
Mr. F. W. PEAPLES,
Assistant Senetajy and Liliaiian
History W utci
Balance Sheet History*
"A just balance is a delight.''
CHAPTER LXXI.
1859-1862.
BALANCE Sheets ! Dry things ! Whatever is there
of interest about them ? Let us see. The first
report and balance sheet is a very interesting
document, and reads almost like a fairy tale : —
In presenting our first report we have to congratulate you upon
the success which has attended the establishment of the Co-opera-
tive Society of Great and Little Bolton, and to express our admiration
of the bountiful support you, as well as the public generally, have
accorded to it. The gratification and pleasure experienced by the
Committee in being able to lay before you the flattering proofs of the
soundness of the principles upon which Co-operation is based cannot
but give satisfaction to every person interested in its progress.
Considering the youth of the Society, the expenses of its estab-
lishment, and the previous inexperience of the Committee in grocery
and general provision transactions, a dividend of is. gd. in the {^
upon all purchases, an allowance of 5 per cent on all moneys invested,
together with i\ per cent to be appropriated to educational purposes,
is a fact exceeding the anticipations of the most sanguine. If any
person had stated eight months ago that the Society would at this
time have been in the position it now occupies, he would have been
set down as an enthusiast, and most cordially treated as such. If
any person had mooted at the opening of our Stores that we should
now have a Branch Store, with a rent of £z^ per year (which was
nearly double the rent paid for the first Store) , his statement would
scarcely have been credited by anyone. With such facts before us,
who can say what the next fifteen years may do for us ? — what we,
with upwards of 200 members from the opening (the 4th November,
1859, to the 19th March, i860), may, when the Society reaches its
teens, congratulate ourselves upon having established ?
In conclusion, the Board of Directors beg leave to state that,
owing to increased wealth and increased business, they feel a greater
need for that assistance which you have hitherto been willing to give,
and for that confidence which they will ever strive to deserve.
6oo History of the Great and Little Bolton
These sentiments we can heartily endorse and apply to
ourselves to-day with equal force.
The first reports were printed by J. T. Staton, the printer
and publisher of the old Bowtun Luminary, of which we
have a complete set in our Reference Library. He printed
the first nine reports and balance sheets issued by the
Society.
In the second report, issued June 27th, i860, the Com-
mittee again have reason to congratulate the members, and
say:—
Notwithstanding the heavy expenditure of the quarter, the
profits give a dividend on purchases of is. gd. in the £, and the allow-
ance (5 per cent per annum) on paid-up shares, together with 2J per
cent for educational or other purposes. Since our last report 248
persons have been admitted members, and the contributions have
increased more than in the same ratio. This increased capital
necessitates that the Committee should take into consideration the
establishment of some other Store, in a new business — in fact, the
rising capital of the Society will render such a step compulsory,
and they hope the members will give the same zealous support to
any sucli Store as they have hitherto accorded to the one already
established, and that any assistance the Committee may require
will be cheerfully given. A glance at the accounts will at once give
a clear idea of the working of the Society and the firmness of its
principles, and will no doubt satisfy the timid and the prejudiced
as to the safety of investments.
In conclusion, the Committee hope the increasing state of the
capital may be permanent, so that they may look forward to the time
when all articles of consumption, wearing apparel as well as pro-
visions, may be supplied by the Society. All business will in future
(commencing on Monday, the gth July, i860) be transacted at the
Progression Room, Moor Lane, where the Committee will meet
weekly to receive subscriptions, &c.
The third report, issued on September 25th, i860, records
a drop in the dividend to iid. in the £. Commenting on
this, the Committee say : —
■ Although the dividend does not nearly equal the former ones,
yet it is pleasing to be able to declare it at iid. per £ on purchases,
when we take into consideration the large amount of surplus funds
on which an interest of 5 per cent is payable, the great influx of
purchase checks from ;^i,302 to ;f2,440 in one quarter, which were
issued during the first and second quarters, and the small profit
realised on flour for some weeks past.
Co-operative Society Limited,. 6oi
Coming, as it does, during the period just prior to that
covered by the cotton famine, the showing cannot be con-
sidered by us to-day as a bad one.
The fourth report, issued on December 23rd, i860,
records a further drop in the dividend to as low a figure as
6d. in the £. The amount of business done this quarter far
exceeded the former, and the Committee hoped that with
the members' continued and marked influence there would
be promoted that feeling of unity amongst the members at
large which would stiU increase the business to that extent
that it would be requisite to establish Stores in different
parts of the town. A plea is put in for support for the
Butchering Department. Although this represents such a
big drop in dividend, the leaders were still optimistic, and,
instead of being cast down, they reached out to greater
efforts. Yet another change of meeting-place is herein
recorded : " The Committee meet at the room next door to
the Corporation Offices, Acresfield."
Herein is shown how closely bound up with the life and
growth of the town the Co-operative Society has been. To-
day these offices have been in both cases replaced by other
offices, which are far more fitted to fill the requirements of
the age, and better equipped to meet the growing needs of
each.
Thus closed the first year's working, with anything but
a good show to its credit, so far as dividend on purchases
was concerned, but its progress along other lines was remark-
able. Instead of the one shop, we have recorded cash
received from Derby Street Store, Manor Street Store,
Drapery Department, Boot and Shoe, and Butchering, thus
showing a distinct gain to the business departments of the
Society.
The low dividends paid the previous quarters, together
with the unsatisfactory state of trade, caused an all-round
fall in business takings to be recorded m the fifth report,
issued for the quarter ended March 19th, 1861, The Com-
mittee deplored the falling off m purchases which had taken
place during the quarter, and at the same time hoped that
this hint from the Committee would be the means of causing
6o2 History of the Great and Little Bolton
those who had been a little lukewarm to renew their first
love, and make the sixth quarter's report excel all its pre-
decessors. Only twenty-four new members are recorded
for this period. The Butchering Department experienced
a loss, which was attributed to the decrease of business and
the high price of cattle. This is commented on as foUows : —
While we would urge upon the members the necessity of buying
as much as possible of their butcher's meat at our shop, we may at
the same time state that our present butcher, as well as the other
assistants in our service, will give you entire satisfaction.
Although the amount of business done during the quarter has
only been £2,552. i6s. 8d., instead of ;£4,i43, as last quarter, we have
some satisfaction in being able to divide the sum of ^^112. 4s. amongst
the members from the profits at the rate of is. per £ on purchases,
being an increase of 6d. per £ over the last quarter's dividend,
besides having £19. 2s. 2d. for the reduction of fixed stock, the
reserve fund, and the fund for educational and other purposes,
leaving a balance on hand of £y. i6s. gd, ; which dividend, we feel
confident, would have been larger if we had done business equal in
amount to last quarter. While we feel pleasure in alluding to the
improvement in the dividend, it gives us still greater pleasure to
know that the Society has been the means of giving great assistance
to many members, who have been enabled by its aid to effect some
small savings which they never could have made but for the existence
of this Society, and which moneys have always been cheerfully
returned to them on application, in cases of necessity ; and also to
non-members who, having been purchasers at our shops, have, in
many instances, found the benefit of the 8d. per £ allowed for their
checks during the hard winter we have just experienced and the
depressed state of trade, to which causes we mostly attribute the
falling off in our business.
For the first time the reserve fund is put down in this
balance sheet at id. per £ on purchase money, and non-
members' checks brought in amounted to £300, thus causing
£10 cash to be paid out to them. An interesting item which
also figures is commission received on clogging and clothing
amounting to £3. 17s., and there is also recorded a present
to the Treasurer of £1. 17s.
The sixth report, for the quarter ended June i8th, 1861,
did not come up to the expectations expressed in the fifth.
The Committee lay stress on the fact that —
It is not in our power to announce to you so favourable a dividend
as our last ; but when we take into consideration the depressed state
of trade, together with the falling off in our business, and the loss
Co-operative Society Limited. 603
sustained by the Butchering Department, we cannot expect to
appear before you with so cheering a statement as the last.
We feel it our duty to call your attention to all the various
branches in which we are engaged, and trust that those who can
will do all in their power to assist in forwarding the interests of the
Society and the members at large.
Your Committee wish to inform the public that any person may
become a, member by paying is. for entrance, and is. as the first
deposit, and 3d. per week, or 3s. 3d. per quarter, until they have
paid up £5 ; or, if the dividend on their purchases amounts to more
than the weekly or quarterly subscriptions, they may allow it to
accumulate and be placed to their account, and cease paying the
ordinary subscriptions, thereby effecting a saving without either
capital or labour.
Here we have a definite statement alluding to one of
the grand features of our movement — the ability to save and
accumulate money without effort. This quarter also
marked the starting of the half-day holiday movement for
the shopmen, as the following notice shows : —
The shops in connection with this Society will be closed on Tues-
days at 2 o'clock for the purpose of allowing the shopmen a half-day
holiday. Parties are requested to make their purchases as early as
possible.
Compare this with the conditions holding to-day, and we
find the progression to be recorded as a marked one very
much in the favour of the employes. Dividend fell this
quarter again to 6d.
In presenting the members with tlie seventh quarterly
report, on September 21st, 1861, the Committee
regard with satisfaction the improving prospects of the Provision
Stores, and they would urge upon the members the obvious duty
of giving the Stores that attention which is mainly wanting to con-
tribute to greater success. It will be seen that, with a fixed amount
of expenditure equal to doing double the business, a considerable
amount of profit would be placed to the members' account when the
capacities of the shops are fully developed. The efforts of the Society
to spread a knowledge of the advantages of Co-operation amongst
the working classes through its members is highly desirable. While
the Committee are desirous of realising a fair profit they further
try to provide wholesome food, free from adulteration, and would
impress upon their members that their connection with the Rochdale
Co-operative Corn Mill, in which they have invested a considerable
amount (;£i38. 2s. gd.), enables them to supply flour which, by a
large number of purchasers, they are assured is the best they can
obtain.
6o4 History of the Great and, Little Bolton
The first balance sheet records an investment of £j& in
the Rochdale Corn Mill, and to find before two years have
passed that investment standing at the figure named
certainly shows a marked progress even in that short space
of time. This quarter also records the introduction of the
Reading and News Room, which is announced as being open
every night, and affords those willing to avail themselves
of its attractions the means of social intercourse and mental
improvement. This is not a bad start, considering that the
amount allotted for educational purposes only amounted to
;f5. 6s. lojd. Two grants of ^5 each to the Literary
Committee were made out of the fund for educational and
other purposes, the first being in the previous quarter.
Quite a jubilant note is struck by the issue of the eighth
report, on December 23rd, 1861. An increase in business
and consequent increase of dividend (lod.) is recorded.
The resolution requesting the Committee to superintend the
buying of goods for the Stores has been comphed with as far as
practicable, and has been attended, we believe, with a strengthening
of the confidence of the members, and promises to develop to a still
greater extent the beneficial results of the Co-operative principle.
Considering the large amount of profit that has, since the com-
mencement of the Society, been distributed to the members in
dividend (£T\'a. 15s. 6d.), and this, under a liberal poUcy which has
provided for the education of the members by means of a Reading-
room, supplied with weekly and daily newspapers, periodicals, and
a Library (open every evening), we may fairly pronounce the Society
to be a success.
To meet probable contingencies a fund, called a guarantee fund
(reserve fund), has been estabUshed, which already amounts to £,^\
gs. 5d., the object of which is to ensure the safety of members'
investments. The friends of Co-operation will here recognise an
advantage which did not exist at the establishment of the Society,
and it is not unreasonably presumed that the dissemination of the
fact will impart a confidence in the Society in the breasts of many
who have previously been labouring under mistrust or doubt. The
Society allows any person to hold shares to the amount of £^0.
The provision for reducing the value of fixed stock, or
articles with which the shops are furnished for conducting
the business in the different departments, operated well, ^86
17s. yd. having been paid towards their cost up to this time.
Thus ends the second year's working with two shops. Read-
ing-room, and Library started, and funds weU in hand, and
Co-operative Society Limited. 605
investments in the Rochdale Corn Mill Society well over
£153, although the dividend paid was only lod. in the £,
and allowance to non-members 6d. in the £. For the first
time an item called the " Management fund " appears in the
balance sheet. This was raised by a levy on the members'
funds, and deducted from their books, the first quarter's
deductions from members' shares amounting to £4. os. 4d.
The ninth report, issued on March 25th, 1862, congratu-
lated the members on the still prosperous condition of the
Society : —
Notwithstanding the unfavourable state of our town and the
competition we have to contend with, we are highly gratified in being
able to declare a dividend of is. in the £.
It is, however, to be regretted that our members have not looked
more to their own and the Society's interests. The Committee feel
convinced that a still higher dividend would have been the con-
sequence if proper support had been given to the Boot and Shoe
and Drapery Departments. The Committee, theiefore, earnestly
beg to call the attention of the members to the above-named branches
of our business. The Boot and Shoe Department is supplied with
articles of the best quality at reasonable prices. A first-class lot of
spring goods has just been added to the Drapery room, to which the
inspection of the ladies is earnestly solicited.
In laying before the members the tenth quarterly report ,
on June 27th, 1862, the Committee were highly gratified in
being enabled to declare a dividend of is. 2d. in the £. The
statement shows that the receipts averaged £176. iis. per
week, which the Committee considered to be very fair, when
they took into account the state of trade at that time, it
being a period almost unparalleled in the annals of com-
mercial depression. Twenty persons joined the Society,
making a total of 504 members on the books, and initiating
the first record of membership since the publication of the
first balance sheet. The management fund was responsible
for the deduction from members' shares of -[z^. lis. 6d., and
investments in the Rochdale Corn Mill had grown to £t()%
14s. 2jd.
The eleventh report, issued on October 6th, 1862, says : —
Amidst the great pressure of the times it is somewhat cheering
to witness the steadiness which has influenced our business. The
receipts have scarcely experienced any decline since the close of last
quarter, although the trade of the town generally has become much
6o6 History of the Great and Little Bolton
worse since that time. Whilst on every hand we are presented with
unmistakable evidence of the existence of a large amount of poverty
and indigence, which are the inevitable result of a widespread want
of employment, it must be highly pleasing to each and all of us to
know that, as a Society, we have been able to steer clear of every
difficulty. And although the dividend will be smaller than last quarter
(is.), your Committee are fully aware of the circumstances under
which the smaller dividend has resulted, and feel confident, under the
most careful management, fluctuations of this kind will occasionally
occur. Your Committee most fervently hope that ere long the sun
of prosperity may again dawn upon us, shedding its benignant rays
around, and lighting up the hearts of many who are now almost in
a state of despondency, which welcome change would undoubtedly
make our business as profitable and extensive in all its branches as
it has been at any preceding time since the formation of the Society.
The twelfth report, issued on January 3rd, 1863, is
presented under circumstances of a gratifying character.
The financial year then terminated had been one of com-
mercial depression. The civU commotion in the United
States had exercised a repressive influence upon the
numerous trades of this district ; but, notwithstanding these
unpropitious circumstances, the Committee were able to
congratulate the members upon the continued prosperity
and stability of the institution : —
It has been the pleasing duty of the Committee promptly to repay
to the members during the year no less a sum than £i.,i6i. 12s.
This amount represents several total withdrawals, with the accumula-
tion of profits added thereto ; but it also includes a large amount
which has necessarily been withdrawn in consequence of the bad
state of trade. Many an illustration has recently arisen which
demonstrates the great value of these Societies, in offering oppor-
tunities for the safe investment of savings, to provide for the
exigencies of life ; and it is a pleasing fact that, out of the vast
number of persons who have embraced such facilities, there are many
who have had savings to fall back upon, whose homes have thereby
been saved from utter desolation.
Thus ends the third year's working, with a report which
well shows how the Society had become intimately bound
up with the life and affairs of the town, and which, by its
aid, enabled the members of this Society to pull through the
trying times and the suffering caused by the American War,
the effects of which played such havoc in Lancashire at that
time.
Co-operative Society Limited. 607
CHAPTER LXXII
1863-1865.
WITH the issue of the thirteenth report, on April 4th,
1863, the Committee desired to congratulate the
members on the " present " prospects of the
Society. WhUe deeply sympathising with those who were
suffering from the great distress which existed in the
country, the Committee called attention to the fact that in
the Grocery Stores there had been an increase of business
during the quarter over that of the preceding quarter, thus
enabling the Committee, with larger profits, to declare a
greater dividend, viz., is. in the £. Acknowledging this
support, they also invited attention to the other depart-
ments, whose stock was calculated to please the most
fastidious taste.
The fourteenth report, for the quarter ended June 3rd,
1863, again records a drop in the dividend, which fell to as
low as 8d. in the ■£. The reduction of the duty on tea (of
which the members had received the full benefit) and the
increased incidental expenses, together with the unusually
large number of checks taken in, also contributed in some
measure to lower the dividend.
The Newsroom in Acresfield, corner of Hotel Street, is open to
members every evening, and it continues to be supplied with a choice
selection of newspapers and periodicals. A Reference Library is
also in course of formation. The members are respectfully invited
to avail themselves of the opportunities thus offered for their moral,
social, and intellectual advancement.
The revised rules are announced as being ready. These
contain the important announcement that " any member
of the Society may now hold shares to the amount of £100
in the Society."
6o8 History of the Great and Little Bolton
In the fifteenth report, for the quarter ended September
22nd, 1863, the Committee experienced much satisfaction
in issuing it, as they were enabled to do so under circum-
stances which must have been gratifying to all. They
would, however, earnestly impress upon the minds of the
members the duty of supporting their establishment in all
its branches to the utmost of their power, and also of
promulgating as widely as possible the principles of Co-
operation, and the benefits which it was calculated to
confer.
Co-operation has, indeed, done a great amount of good wherever
its principles have been established. It induces people to save their
money, instead of spending it or wasting it on things which are
unnecessary or injurious. This it does by offering facilities for the
safe and profitable investment of their money. There are many in
this town who have to thank Co-operation for having enabled
them so far to stem the tide of adversity which has overtaken so
many amongst us, and who, but for its timely aid, would have to
subsist on charitj'. Co-operation instils into the people a spirit of
self-reliance — that is, reliance on the poAver they themselves possess.
It teaches the working classes to look to themselves for the ameliora-
tion of their condition, and no longer to lie powerless at the feet of
the so-called higher classes — the capitalists. It teaches them to
become capitalists themselves, as well as labourers, and thus derive
all the advantages which accrue from associated labour and capital.
It inculcates habits of carefulness, frugality, prudence, and fore-
thought. It is the lever by which the working population have it in
their power to elevate themselves in the social scale. The Committee
would respectfully recommend the members to ponder over these
things, to diffuse a knowledge of these principles amongst their
friends and acquaintances, and they doubt not that the result would
be an augmentation in the number of our members, and, con-
sequently, an increase in our business. The Society would be the
instrument of more extensive usefulness, and the members would
be benefited individually as well as collectively.
No finer exposition of the principles of Co-operation in
a brief and concise form is to be found in any text-book,
and it will appeal to our members to-day in precisely the
same fashion as in the early days of our Society. Dividend
paid, IS. id. Management fund expenses deducted from
members' shares amounted to £j. 7s.
The sixteenth report, for the quarter ended December,
1863, has an improvement to record, which enabled a
Co-operative Society Limited. 609
dividend of is. 2d. in the £ to be paid on members' pur-
chases. The Committee acknowledge this increased
support, and say : —
Believing, as we do, that in the piinciples of Co-operation will
be found the means by which the working classes may improve their
moral and social condition, we hold out the right hand of fellowship
to every toiling brother who is desirous of attaining that position in
Society which every industrious man ought to enjoy.
The fourth year's working ends with a distinct gain in
cash receipts, and for the first time in its history an invest-
ment is recorded outside the business departments of the
Society and the Rochdale Corn Mill, and that is an invest-
ment in the North of England Wholesale Agency of £22. ids.
The seventeenth quarterly statement of the accounts
of the Society, for the quarter ended March, 1864, comes
somewhat in the nature of a bombshell, seeing that the large
■ amount of profits enable another is. to be added to the
dividend declared in the previous quarter, thus reaching
the highest amount recorded as paid so far, viz., 2s. 2d. in
the £. The Committee say : —
You will, no doubt, be somewhat surprised at the large amount
of profits from this quarter's business, but they are the result of having
a large dividend from the Corn Mill, and having a quantity of goods
on hand which were bought when the market price was low. Though
we have done less business we have realised more profit, thereby
enabling your Committee to declare a dividend of 2S. 2d. in the £.
which, no doubt, will stimulate the members to push the claims of
the Society on the attention of their fellow-workmen. The great
benefit that must result from doing a large trade must be apparent,
and to extend those benefits among our class is a duty, and the reward
both pleasure and profit, thereby assisting the greatest movement
of the day for raising ourselves in the social scale, and preparing us
to occupy that improved position.
The Committee would again call the attention of the members
to their Drapery and Boot and Shoe Departments, hoping every
member will see the advantage of trading at their own establish-
ments. As there are some old stocks of boots and shoes that are out
of fashion, the Committee have decided to reduce the price very
materially, hoping those members who are not particular as to fashion
will make use of the opportunity and clear them out. The members'
attention is particularly called to a minute passed on March 4th, to
enforce the second law, and for that purpose they have resolved that
no dividend will be paid to any member " Avithout they have signed
the declaration book."
6io History of the Great and Little Bolton
Here we have one of the first notices relating to a clearing
sale in connection with the Society, thus starting a custom
which has proved of benefit to the Society as weU. as to the
individual member.
The next report, for the quarter ended June, 1864, may
be briefly disposed of. Both business and capital increased
during this quarter, but a drop in the dividend to is. 8d. in
the £ is recorded.
The nineteenth report, for the quarter ended September,
1864, again congratulates the members upon the continued
prosperity. Business increased ^^416, the capital £248
IIS. 7d., and the number of members 75, enabling a dividend
of IS. 8d. to be paid. A request is made that members change
all paper checks on clogging and clothing for our own the
same quarter as they get them, but on no account would any
but pound checks be taken in on the last day of the quarter.
The twentieth report, for the quarter ended December,
1864, is very optimistic in character, the increase in business
amounting to £508. los., and in the capital account £469
gs. gd. The profits realised amounted to £285. 14s. iid.,
which enabled a dividend of is. lod. in the ■£ to be paid, and
the usual deductions for reserve fund, fixed stock, and
educational fund. An appeal is inserted : —
We beg the members to consider the crowded state of the Stores
at certain times, and those who can make it convenient to make their
purchases as much as possible at other times. The Committee
respectfully request that the members will bring their checks
previously changed into pounds to the Society's room, Acresfield,
after six o'clock in the evening on the last day of the quarter, as no
checks will be received at the Stores after that hour.
As this marks the closing of the fifth year's operations,
herewith 13 a summary of the business of the Society since
its commencement : — Amount of cash received, £50,259
19s. 2d. ; the amount paid for goods, £46,474. 2s. lod. ;
net profits, £2,584. 4s. 5d., which enabled the different
Committees to declare an average dividend of is. 2d. in the
■£, besides accumulating a reserve fund of £114. los. In-
vestments : — Rochdale Corn Mill, £339. i8s. 5d. ; North of
England Wholesale Agency, £29. 15s. 45d.; and a new
Co-operative Society Limited. 6ii
investment is taken up in the Leigh Co-operative Society
of £5, the total investment in outside sources being then
£374- 13s- gid. The management fund, which some members
seemed to consider as an imposition, ceased being deducted
directly from members' shares this quarter.
The twenty-first report, for the quarter ended March,
1865, records an increased capital account to the extent of
£626. 3s., and an increase in business amounting to £617,
realising a profit to the Society of £311. 4s. 2d., which,
however, only allowed a dividend of is. 8d. in the £ on pur-
chases. A request is made to members
not to allow their tin checks to amount to more than £2 before they
get them changed into pounds, as the shopmen are not allowed to
change more tlian £2 at one time ; but in all cases they must be
changed previous to being brought in on the last day in the quarter,
as none but pound checks will be received on that day in future.
This appeal was rendered necessary so that the floating
supply of tin checks in circulation among the members
might be kept within reasonable bounds.
The twenty-second report, for the quarter ended June,
1865, states that the business done was about the same as
the last quarter, but as they had a large dividend from
Rochdale Corn Mill, and one from the Agency, which they
had not in the previous quarter, it enabled them to declare
a dividend of 2S. 3d. in the £, which the Committee hoped
would meet with the membei^s' approval. Naturally, this
proceeding was acceptable, seeing that it represented such
a good increase for dividend purposes.
The twenty-third quarterly report represents a distinct
step forward, seeing that it records the opening of another
shop. Business increased ;^73i, and, compared with the
same time the previous year, marked an increase of ;£i,79i
los. The capital increased £1,237. 2S. 4d., which, compared
in the same way, marked an increase of £2,573. gs. id. The
number of new members this quarter was upwards of 200,
and the total about 1,000 members, this being one of the
first definite statements regarding membership which
appears in the early balance sheets. Profits amounted to
£334. 15s. only, enabhng a dividend of is. 6d. ; £132 more
6i2 History of the Great and Little Bolton
checks were brought in than in the previous quarter, and
less dividends from investments caused the reduction in
dividend. It was interesting to note that the drapery
shop was only open on Friday from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m., on
Saturday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., and on Monday from
2 until 8 o'clock. The New Branch Store (No. 3), No. 147,
Newport Street, was opened on Saturday morning, Sep-
tember 7th, 1865, and the Committee requested that the
members in the neighbourhood of Bridgeman Street would
see that it was well supported. It would also be very con-
venient for those members and the pubUc coming to the
Bolton Market from the country districts by the Trinity
Street Railway Station. This shop is now no longer in
existence as a separate establishment, having been merged
into adjacent property.
The twenty-fourth quarterly report is interesting from
the fact that it was passed at the adjourned Quarterly
Meeting, held at the Lark Street Temperance Hall on
January 9th, 1866. This building is now used by the
Society for stabling purposes.
The first receipts recorded from the Newport Street
Store were ^1,044, and although the cash receipts were con-
siderably in advance, the profits realised were not so large
as on some previous quarters, owing to the high prices paid
for goods, which, on re-sale, did not realise a corresponding
profit. The sixth year's working thus closed with an all-
round increase in the receipts and the addition of another
Branch, also the establishment of a building account, which
stood at ;fi,632. 3s. 4d. This account first started in Tune,
1865.
^^^^^
Co-operative Society Limited. 613
CHAPTER LXXIII.
1866-1869.
MARCH 20TH, 1866. — The Committee were highly
gratified in placing before the members the
twenty-fifth statement of accounts, as it showed
a continued improvement in the position of the Society,
which then seemed to attain the fuU measure of good for
which it was founded. The capital had attained a magnitude
which seemed to warrant the security of the Society's
position. The various departments of the Central they
expected to have in fuU working order during the following
rnonth at latest, when they hoped the members would see
their advantage in giving them all the support in their power.
The twenty-sixth quarterly report, for June 20th, 1866,
is an exceedingly interesting one, seeing that it records
very simply the commencement of operations at the Bridge
Street Stores by the amount of cash received only. No
mention is made of the dropping of the Manor Street Store
in favour of what are now the Central premises, and yet it
was done. All the Committee say is : —
We find the efforts of the Society to be followed with success,
so that we are enabled to recommend a dividend of is. 4d. in the £.
Considering the advance in the price of almost all articles of house-
hold consumption, and the consequent falling off in the purchases
of our members, we have not realised what we anticipated at the
commencement of the quarter, And we expect our members to
give us their earnest support, as we have now the whole of the shops
open, including the Clogging Department, and we hope shortly to
enter upon the baking as soon as we can complete some of the details
which are connected with the finishing of the Stores.
Baking was first done in the cellars at the Central
preraises. It was the fashion then for bakehouses to occupy
cellars, and not separate buildings, £is up-to-date establish-
ments are now arranged.
■ The twenty-seventh quarterly report, for the quarter
ended September i8th, 1866, marks the introduction of
the first report issued from the Bridge Street Offices. It is a
6i4 History of the Great and Little Bolton
remarkable and voluminous document compared with
previous ones, and a great improvement from a business
standpoint. All the previous balance sheets were headed
" Gentlemen." This one starts off better : —
Ladies and Gentlemen, — The close of the quarter brings with
it the requirements of another balance sheet, which is always a
pleasing duty to the Committee when they can show in it the
necessary prosperity of the Society. Although provisions generally
continue to average a high figure, yet we have to repeat to you a
very favourable progress, and it warrants us in recommending a
dividend of is. 6d. in the £ to members and lod. in the £ to non-
members, which, we trust, will give general satisfaction.
The Committee wish all purchasers at their Stores to fulh' under-
stand that their chief object is to purchase genuine, first-class goods
for ready money in the best markets, and that the same be ofiered
retail to the public at the lowest remunerative price.
During the last quarter we have made 151 new members, making
a total of 1,750 or thereabouts. This large increase encourages us
to hope that the public have full confidence in the management.
The Baking requisites are now ready, and we expect that by the
time this reaches your hands they will be in full operation, when we
hope it will have your cordial support.
The " General Notices " state : —
It has been found requisite to pass a resolution that all non-
members' checks, when they kmount to above £1, must be brought
to the Secretary's Office, Bridge Street Stores, to be changed for
cash.
Members are respectfully informed that Mr. Wright, Deansgate,
Mr. Aspden, Deansgate, Mr. Payne, Market Street, and Mr. Redick,
Derby Street, do business with this Society, and all men's and boys'
clothing can be purchased at these establishments on the Co-opera-
tive principle.
The use of paper checks is recorded for the first time : —
It is particularly requested that all members get their paper
checks changed for tin ones immediately after, and also that they
get these changed for £t checks as soon as they amount to that sum.
And they are also requested to notice that all £1 checks and contri-
bution books must be given in to the Secretary on or before Monday
the 1 7th day of December next, to be made up for the quarter • and
none can be taken in after seven o'clock in the evening of that day
The Committee meet every Monday and Friday evenings at 7-^0 •
and the general meetings take place in the Large Hall on the first
Monday in each month at eight o'clock in the evening.
A r.eading-room, well supplied with daily and weekly newspapers
magazines, &c., and a. Library, is now open free to members at the
Bridge Street Stores, and we hope they will fully appreciate its
advantages.
Co-operative Society Limited. 615
The twenty-eighth report, for the quarter ended
December i8th, 1866, states : —
The amount of a dividend of is. iid. in the £ sufficiently testifies
to the increasing prosperity of the Society, the permanent success
of which now rests principally with yourselves.
So ends seven years' working with a record of good and
solid progress. Financial increases are general, and receipts
come from Central premises now well established, and two
Branch Stores — Derby Street and Newport Street — together
with a Flour, Boot and Shoe, and Drapery Departments
in the Central premises, new Offices, and Large HaU.
The twenty-ninth report, for the quarter ended March
19th, 1867, states : —
The present report shows an increase in the business of the
quarter of ;£i,i7o, and an increase in the capital of 1^3,193, or over
25 per cent. Three hundred and forty-six new members have been
admitted during the quarter. To keep pace with this rapid growth
of business, and to relieve Derby Street Stores, we have opened a
Branch Store at Daubhill, which, we hope, will prove a success and
a benefit to the shareholders in that neighbourhood.
Thus is recorded the opening of another establishment
for business purposes. In this report the Educational
Department account figures as a separate and distinct
fund for the first time, the amount dealt with being only a
little over ;^i5.
The thirtieth report, for the quarter ended June i8th,
1867, marks another record of business progress.
We have commenced business in the Millinery Department,
and trust you will give it your support. A tailor has been engaged,
and we shall shortly be in a position to take your orders in that
department, due notice of which will be advertised.
Dividend, is. gd. in the £. A novel feature of this report
is the printing for the first time of the names of the
President, members of the Committee, and Secretary.
Previously there is no official mention of any name on any
of the balance sheets issued, those prior to this being simply
signed " The Committee." A significant feature of this is a
table giving the number of meetings, times of meeting, times
absent, and times late ; the Committee of Management being
divided into President, Vice-President, Finance Committee,
two members Inspectors for Bridge Street Stores, two
6i6 History of the Great and Little Bolton
members Inspectors for Derby Street and Newport Street
Stores, the Secretary, and one Inspector for Daubhill Store.
Stars are used to denote the names of those members who
were the retiring Committee.
The thirty-first report, for the quarter ended September
17th, 1867, denotes the fact that the Tailoring Department
was open for business at Bridge Street Stores, where parties
could be supplied with clothes, ready-made or made to order.
Attention was called to the capital increase, with a request
that members would endeavour to promote the increase of
business, so that the surplus capital might be better
employed.
The Committee, in presenting the thirty-second quarterly
report, had the pleasure to state that the efforts of the
Society were of a satisfactory character, considering the
depressed state of trade, as the members would find that
the business done during the quarter was £1,131 more than
it was in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
The dividend was is. 8d. in the ■£.
The end of the eighth year's work finds the Society with
Central Stores running six departments, and three Branches
well established, together with an income of over ;fii,ooo.
The thirty-third quarterly report records an advance
of 3d. in the dividend, and makes the usual appeal for the
loyalty and support of the members. One or two additional
items appear in this report, such as : Repairing Derby
Street old Stores,. £20. 5s. ; the engagement of a carter, and
his wages ; also wages account for Baking, Tailoring, and
Millinery ; and wages for the Boot and Shoe Department
production, thus marking a serious start of some of the
producing and distributing departments, which are stiU in
active operation to-day.
Fluctuations of the markets is given as the cause for the
decrease of 4d. in the dividend which is recorded in the
thirty-fourth quarterly report, issued June i6th, 1868.
One important notice in this report is the announcement
that—
A Free Lending Library is now open to the members at Bridge
Street Newsroom every Saturday evening from seven to ei^ht-
Co-operative Society Limited. 617
o'clock. About 150 new books have been added, a catalogue of
which may be had free of charge, when the Library is open.
The next report records little beyond financial progress.
The thirty-sixth quarterly report, issued December
15th, 1868, closes the ninth year's worljing with quite an
optimistic announcement from the Committee, who call
attention —
to the steady increase of our capital, as we are desirous of finding
employment for it as early as possible, and make it more profitable
to the Society. You will find that we have now a balance at the
bank of over ;^i 1,000, which is a great drawback on the profits of
our trade. We have prepared a copy of rules for the building
scheme, which we have to submit for your approval.
The building account figures at £5,970. los. 7d. ; buildings
(cottage account), £120. Thus was launched the Building
Department into active operations, which has been such a
benefit to the members generally, after only nine years'
uphill work and fight against aU opposition.
The thirty-seventh report, for the quarter ended March
i6th, 1869, is an extremely interesting one, seeing that it
records an advance in the trading operations and increased
investments. It deplores the fact that —
our business transactions are not so large as on previous occasions.
This may be in consequence of the bad state of trade, over which we
have no control. We have completed the purchase of the property
in Hibbert Street and the land in Derby Street, Brownlow Fold.
You will perceive that after paying for the above property and land
our surplus capital is still increasing, and it will be desirable to
extend our investments still further.
This report also records that a profit of over £7 was made
on the annual party, and this was credited to the educa-
tional fund.
The thirty-eighth quarterly report, issued June 15th,
1869, is decidedly interesting from the fact that it sets forth
Very fuUy the magnitude to which the business of the
Society had expanded. The previous balance sheet showed
the balance of cash in hand and at bank to be £11,357
14s. 7id.
• Having been greatly exercised as to the best method of utilising
their surplus to advantage, the Committee record a reduction in this
6i8 History of the Great and Little Bolton
item with satisfaction, the amount being reduced during the quarter
to /9,5I9- i6s. 4id., in consequence of having completed the purchase
of property in Moucrieffe Street and Brownlow Fold, and also the
large amount of withdrawals.
For this item alone £24,827. 6s. 5d. was taken, so that the
capital decreased £4Z7- I4S- 6d. Arrangements for the sale
of houses in Hibbert and Moncrieffe Streets were completed,
and those members desirous of availing themselves of the
building scheme were requested to make early application.
The next report, for September 14th, 1869, shows a great
increase in building in vestments,property having been bought
in Hibbert, Moncrieffe, Brownlow Fold, Lupton, and Venture
Streets, and offered to members on easy terms of purchase.
The dividend of is. 2d. is deemed perfectly satisfactory,
considering the very low prices at which some of the leading
articles were sold. Attention is drawn to the fact that —
the expense of carrying on the business cannot be in any way reduced,
but with the same expense a, much greater business can be done,
which will proportionately reduce the working expenses, and con-
sequently increase the dividend, a result only to be attained by you
making all your purchases at the Stores. This your Committee
can confidently recommend, inasmuch as the goods sold at the
Stores cannot be surpassed, nor in many cases equalled, for price
and quality.
The fortieth report, for the quarter ended December
14th, 1869, records an increase of id. in the £ dividend, a
result brought about not by our members patronising the
Stores as advised by your Committee — although the
business done was nearly ;^6oo more than the previous
quarter — but by the better emplo3nment of the heavy
surplus capital in the establishing of the building scheme,
which wiU be productive of still greater benefit as that
business becomes more developed. The usual appeal for
loyalty appears, so that the profits may be stiU larger,
"notwithstanding the fierce competition with which we
have to contend." A doubling of the amount of business
is asked for, and a statement is made that no effort shall
be wanting on the part of the Committee, " who, if only
supported by your thorough and earnest co-operation
cannot do otherwise than permanently secure the complete
success of the Society."
Co-operative Society Limited 619
CHAPTER LXXIV.
1870 1872.
CHE next report, issued on March 15th, 1870, is
somewhat in the nature of a wet blanket, recording,
as it does, losses from having an unprecedented
stock of flour and grain on hand, which had to be disposed
of in the face of a rapidly-declining market. A falling off
in receipts is also recorded, and members failing to bring
in their checks regularly are administered a sharp rebuke,
finishing off with a statement that the deterring facts have
been dealt with and removed, and the prospects for the
forthcoming quarter bright and promising. Contributions
from the Brownlow Fold Stores appear in this quarter's
accounts for the first time, thus showing the opening of
another Branch Store. Cottage building accounts figure
largely, the practice appearing to be to purchase a block
of property, and then re-sell to the members as oppor-
tunity offered. No less than four other lots are added in
this account. The general unrest caused among some of the
tenants of the said properties caused the following resolution
to be passed by the Committee on March 24th, 1870 : —
That in consequence of a rumour having got extensively circulated
to the effect that parties choosing to become tenants of the Brownlow
Fold property would be subject to be removed immediately the
house should be sold to any of our members, and this Committee
having received ample proof that such rumour has acted upon the
minds of some intending tenants, so as to prevent them occupying
them, we hereby determine that all intending tenants be guaranteed
a two years' tenancy from the date hereof, if the tenant should so
desire it, it being understood that the foregoing resolution does not
preclude any member from purchasing, but that those choosing to
purchase do so under conditions of the before-mentioned resolution.
On and after Monday, the 13th day of June, 1870, the present
system of receiving commission on clothing and clogging will be
discontinued.
620 History of the Great and Little Bolton
This brought to an end the system of dealing with private
traders, and bringing the business directly into the move-
ment itself, a practice strongly resented by the said traders,
but undoubtedly in the interests of the members themselves.
In presenting the forty-second report, for the quarter
ended June 14th, 1870, the Committee beg to state : —
During the past quarter we have been paying special attention to
the supplying of our Stores with goods of the best quality for the
satisfaction of our members. This we flatter ourselves to have done,
from the fact that our business has increased this quarter by /i,o83.
This policy, which we hold to be the best and most enduring, has
necessitated our giving higher prices, and consequently we have had
less profits upon our goods.
■ It is a principle admitted by all that for good articles we must
pay good prices, and also that on inferior articles there are the
greatest profits, and we are convinced that no other class of goods
but the best will satisfy our members. Therefore, your Committee
have come to the conclusion that if we must exist and succeed as a
Society our policy in the future must be conducted upon the
principle of dealing in the best articles only, and a,t such prices as
will give satisfaction to all our members. If we are to do this in
these times we must not — in fact, it is beyond all possibility to
realise a very high dividend, for you must all be aware of the fierce
competition which exists in this our town, which precludes us
making any high profits such as are made in neighbouring towns.
At the commencement of our last quarter we stated that our pros-
pects were in every way bright and promising, but, coupled with the
above facts, a reduction of duiy upon sugar, in the face of our having
unfortunately on hand a rather heavy stock, entailed a sacrifice
to the Society, and depreciated our dividend i|d. in the £. These,
therefore, we trust, will be reasons sufficiently explanatory why we
are not able to declare a higher dividend than is. 2d. in the £. Our
position and prospects are in every, way satisfactory, and your Com-
mittee having studied by every means possible the interest and welfare
of the Society in all its bearings, feel themselves competent, by way
of giving advice to all our members they would recommend them all
to take this truth home, viz,, that if, as a Society, A\'e must prosper,
we cannot supply ourselves with the best of articles at marketable
prices and at the same time secure to ourselves a very high dividend.
' Having now discontinued the system of receiving commission on
clothing and clogging, we would respectfully ask those members
who have been in the habit of making their purchases in this way,
to make those purchases at the Stores, as we feel quite satisfied it
would .be to their advantage.
Again we would call the attention of our members to the desira-
bility of making all their purchases at the Stores, as we are able to
Co-operative Society Limited. 621
transact considerably more business upon tlie same amount of work-
ing expenses, which your Committee feel confident would be to your
advantage.
Here is a strong declaration of policy, equally as
applicable to our day as it was when made, over thirty years
ago. We all need even now to take these facts to heart,
and act up to them, when the result will be a still greater
benefit to all.
The forty-third report, for the quarter ended September
13th, 1870. This quarter 400 more £j. checks were brought
in in proportion to the business done, but for aU that a
declaration of is. 4d. dividend was made.
The forty-fourth report, for the quarter ended December
13th, 1870, records an increase of 2d. in the dividend. It
is likewise stated : —
In accordance with a wish expressed at one of our Monthly Meet-
ings in the past quarter, we have thrown out the item which appeared
in the last report of the cottage building account, namely, general
expenses, ;£i4. 6s. 6d., adding one-half to the building account for
time expended in that department, and paying the other half from
the income of the cottage building account during the last quarter.
So ends another (the eleventh) year's work with progress
forward in a very satisfactory fashion.
The feature of the next (the forty-fifth) report, for the
quarter ended March 14th, 1871, is the startling notice,
compared with present-day conditions, that —
On and after Friday, the 14th inst., all the shops (except the
Draper's Shop) will remain open until 10 o'clock on Friday nights,
and close at 10 o'clock on Saturday nights. The Draper's Shop will
remain open until 9 o'clock on Monday nights, and close at 9 o'clock
on Fridays, and 10 o'clock on Saturday nights.
Increases are recorded aU round, and a definite statement
as to membership made : —
The number of members is now about 2,358, and the shars
capital is £2^,^15. os. 9d.
The forty-sixth report, for the quarter ended June 13th,
1871, records the increase in share capital by £777. 5s. 2d.,
that account then standing at £2,%,-Lg2. 5s. iid. The
sales amounted to £11,118. 13s. ojd., which was a further
increase on the corresponding quarter of £1,006. is. iijd.
622 History of the Great and. Little Bolton
and enabled a declaration of a dividend of is. 6d. in the £
to be made. At this early time the fact is deduced that
almost double the amount of business could be transacted
without materially increasing the working expenses, and so
give a considerable increase in the profits.
The forty-seventh report, for the quarter ended
September 12th, 1871, recommends a dividend of is. 3d.
in the £, and likewise records a falling off in receipts, the
total receipts amounting to £10,753. 9s. 5jd. The receipts
from the sale of grocery and provisions, however, were in
excess of the previous quarters, and in mentioning this fact
the Committee state that " we have determined to keep
pace with our neighbours in the trade, and we are glad to
see that our labours have been appreciated." On the
whole business of this department, amounting to £8,906,
there is only £56. los. ijd., or a little over J per cent, less
profit than the last quarter. Other departments show a
falling off in receipts, and an appeal is made for more
support from the members. The report states : —
We feel justified in saying that if our members would favour us
with their best support they would find on a fair, honest comparison,
that we can furnish them with as good an article at as fair a price as
any other house in town.
The starting of the Coal Department is recorded in this
report : —
We have made arrangements to supply house fire coal to our
members at the ordinary market prices, and we have no doubt but
that we shall be able to give every satisfaction. Terms and prices
may be had on application to the shopmen at the various Grocery
Departments.
For the first time a record of business done is issued in
this balance sheet by the following resolutions : —
That this Society contribute the sum of id. per member to the
Co-operative Congress Fund.
That the sum of ;^io. los. be subscribed by this Society as a dona-
tion to the Bolton Infirmary.
That the Annual Tea Party in connection with this Society be
held on New Year's Day, January ist, 1872.
Here marks the beginning of those grants of money for
charitable and other purposes which have become such a
Co-operative Society Limited. 623
feature of the Co-operativejmovement in our town, and
which, by the collective efforts of its members, has been of
enormous advantage to the recipients thereof.
The forty-eighth report, for the quarter ended
December 12th, 1871, draws attention to the new branch
of business, viz., the coal trade, and states that "we are
supplying the best Ringley, Trencherbone, and Cranbrook
coals, also Atherton and Farnworth Bridge coals, in each
case at the same price as they are sold at their respective
depots." A satisfactory increase in the amount of business
done is recorded, and a dividend of is. gd. in the £ on
members' purchases recommended.
The chief resolutions were : —
That this Society make arrangements for the investment of ;^5oo
as a loan with the North of England Co-operative Wholesale Society
Limited.
That this Society take up the additional shares to complete our
number in accordance with the rules of the Co-operative Insurance
Company Limited.
The sale of the Co-operative News to members first
appears in the accounts of the Educational Department
in this report, and further investments in the North of
England Co-operative Wholesale Society (now the English
Co-operative Wholesale Society) and in the Co-operative
Insurance Society are recorded. Although the dividend was
low at the end of the twelve years' working — is. gd. in the £
— the members were still optimistic, and show great faith
in the future of the Society, so that we who look on at a
later date cannot help but admire them for their steady and
persistent efforts.
The end of the twelfth year's working shows a net
all-round increase of receipts and the adding of the Coal
Department, together with the institution of the distribu-
tion of funds for hospitals, &c. The cottage building
account also shows an increase.
The forty-ninth report, issued March 12th, 1872, strikes
a jubilant note when recording an increase of £123 in
receipts higher than in any other quarter in the previous
history of the Society. Attention is again called to the
624 History of the Great and Little Bolton
coal business and to the addition of new works in the
Library. A revision of the rules being deemed necessary,
a Sub-Committee (consisting of Messrs. Jonathan Fish wick,
William Johnson, John Tunstall, Thomas Reddish, Sydney
Jackson, and Arthur Bailey) was appointed to carry through
such revision.
The fiftieth report records the inconvenience caused
by the members bringing in their contribution books and
checks on the last day, and the Committee came to the
conclusion to give notice that all contribution books, num-
bered I to 1,500, must be brought in on or before a fixed
date, and the rest by the last day fixed on. At so early a
period of the Educational Department's existence a balance
in the educational fund of nearly £34 is shown.
The fifty-first report, issued September loth, 1872,
certainly calls for notice, seeing that the opening of another
(the fifth) Branch, that at 82, Venture Street, near St. Mark's
Church, is recorded therein. A concession to the employes
is recorded in the closing of aU the shops at 9-30 p.m. on
Fridays, instead of 10 o'clock. A further item is also
interesting —
That this meeting recommends the Committee to close their
shops on Wednesday instead of Tuesday afternoons in one month
from this date, if the movement is general throughout the town.
This is rather an interesting piece of history, showing
clearly, as it does, that the Wednesday afternoon closing of
shops in the town is a comparatively recent innovation.
A further resolution, showing that the Society had a
rapidly-accumulating capital, is —
That the Committee be empowered to lend an additional ;£2,ooo
to the North of England Co-operative Wholesale Society Limited.
The fifty-second report, for the quarter ended December
17th, 1872, states : —
We shall be ready to open a sixth Branch Store in Hibbert
Street, Blackburn Road, in about three weeks from this date, for
which we solicit the attention of members residing in that district.
And about the same time the shop No. 60, at the corner of Bark
Street, Higher Bridge Street, will be opened for the Tailoring
Department, where we shall have suitable rooms for ha\-ing all our
Co-operative Society Limited. 625
goods made on the premises, which, by affording better accommoda-
tion to our members, will, we hope, lead to a more extensive develop-
ment of that branch of onr business.
We may also inform our members that we have now ready an
almanac for 1873, prepared expressly for this Society, which may
be had at the grocers' and drapers' shops in Bridge Street and at any
of the Branch Stores, price id. It contains a considerable amount
of information at all times useful to members, which, we hope, will
receive a sufficient amount of support to encourage your Committee
to make greater exertions another year.
How this venture has grown we know now, but it is the
custom for the Educational Department, who now under-
take this work, to present a copy to each member who takes
in checks in the December quarter of each year.
The fifty-third report, for the quarter ended March
i8th, 1873, again records progress by the opening of a new
Branch at Bradshaw Chapel. Special attention is directed
to the Tailor's shop at 60, Higher Bridge Street, and the
new Branch Stores at Hibbert Street, and it is interesting
to note that this, although young, is added to by the
opening of a new Clogger's Shop adjoining the new Stores
in Hibbert Street. An appeal is issued to the members to
give the Co-operative News their support by purchasing a
copy weekly.
It has become a very interesting and instructive paper, and is a
valuable means of spreading information that is exceedingly useful
to all who take an interest in the Co-operative movement.
The starting of the interest in the Co-operative Congress,
which has become of such value to the movement as a whole,
is recorded, so far as this Society is concerned, by the
resolution : " That we send one delegate to the Co-operative
Congress." Another resolution is : —
That this meeting is of opinion that a Productive Co-operative
Society for the manufacture of Alhambra quilts, counterpanes, &c.,
would greatly aid the Co-operative movement in Bolton, and that
we empower the Committee to take the subject into consideration,
and report their proceedings to some future meeting.
An attempt was made to carry this idea into practice,
and a small Productive Society formed. It worked all
right for a short time, but was finally liquidated.
QQ
626 History of the Great and Little Bolton
The growth of the Society and its interest in the
Wholesale is well shown by the recommendation : " That
we invest the sum of £2,000 in the Loan Department of the
Co-operative Wholesale Society." The practice of closing
the shops for the purpose of a complete stocktaking first
commenced in this quarter.
The fifty-fourth report is a mere record of further
business increases all round, with a statement that there
was upwards of 300 people present at the Quarterly Meeting.
This is interesting, as it shows what an increase of interest
there was in the town at that time in the doings of the then
young Society.
Thus ends the thirteenth year's working, with a record
of greater interest towards securing better conditions for
employes, the opening of Branches Nos. 5, 6, and 7, a new
Clogger's Shop, and increased accommodation for the
Tailoring Department ; the starting of the almanac, and
delegations to Congress.
Co-operative Society Limited. 627
CHAPTER LXXV.
1873-1880.
IN the fifty-fourth report appears the first notice of any
kind relating to the Secretary of the Society, except in
the printed hst of the names of the Committee of
Management. From the statement of the business for the
Half-yearly Meeting, the " election of four Committee-men,
one Auditor, and the Secretary," is deduced the fact that its
Secretary was not, as now, a permanent official, but was
again elected annually by the members, along with the
Committee, the appointment of a Manager having caused
the office of Secretary to lapse into its early state again.
How rapid the progress was at this period is weU shown
by the next report, which shows great increases, and from
the recommendations : —
That this Society do increase its share capital in the Co-opeiative
Wholesale Society Limited, according to the amended rules of that
Society.
That we pay a subscription of 2d. per member to the Central
Co-operative Board, and that it be paid in two half-yearly instal-
ments.
The next report shows how this progress is consistent
with the growth of the Society by the opening of a Branch
Store in Pikes Lane, and also another in New Road,
Halliwell. The usual liberal depreciations are made.
Quite a fund of interesting matter appears in the fifty-
seventh report, for March 17th, 1874. Although increases
are shown, there is still the necessity for the appeal for
increased support. Notice is called to the fact that there
is a Clothing Club in connection with this Society, shares,
:^i each ; subscriptions, is. per week, may be paid at the
628 History of the Great and Little Bolton
Central or any of the Branch Stores. A recommendation is
given " that we subscribe three guineas annually to the
Bolton Infirmary and Dispensary."
The next report calls for no special comment beyond
the recommendations to take up 200 shares in the Hebden
Bridge Fustian Manufacturing Society and 100 shares in
the North of England Co-operative Printing Society.
The report following deals with the establishment of a
more effectual check upon the accounts of the Society by
the institution of a system of keeping separate Branch
shop accounts and an efficient warehouse account, whereby
it is possible to ascertain the profits made by each Branch
shop.
The division of the Committee into small Sub-Com-
mittees, so as to enable them more effectually to super-
intend the various departments, is mentioned in the next
report issued.
The end of the fifteenth year's work was not quite so
satisfactory as some of the previous ones, owing to losses
during the year occasioned by defective stocktaking, which
was remedied by vigorous action as soon as discovered.
However, the usual appropriations to reserve and deprecia-
tion were effected.
The sixty-first report, for the quarter ended March i6th,
1875, contains an important resolution to this effect : —
That on and after the 19th inst. all the shops belonging to this
Society shall close at half-past seven o'clock p.m. on Mondays,
Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and at half-past nine on Fridavs and
Saturdays.
Increases are recorded.
The appointment of another permanent Secretary of
the Society is recorded in the. balance sheet issued on June
15th, 1875, thus bringing an elective office into the ranks of
a permanent one. Attention is drawn to the fact that —
the new rules of the Society are now in operation, and that we are in
a position to advance money upon mortgage of property at 5 per
Co-operative Society Limited. 629
cent per annum interest. In the course of a few days we shall also
open a Small Savings Department, and be able to receive sums of
id. and upwards, upon which interest at the rate of Jd. every three
months for every 5s. will be paid. This department is being opened
chiefly for the benefit of members' children, and we hope that
members will see that their children will take the full benefit of it.
Attention is also drawn to the new rule which provided
that in case any person allowed his capital in the Society
to get below 2s. , either by non-payments or fines, he should
then cease to be a member, and his capital should be
forfeited. The position of the Society had now become so
satisfactory that a dividend of 2S. in the £ was declared.
The end of the sixteenth year, as recorded by the sixty-
fourth balance sheet, shows how the Society had grown in
position and influence. The business was so satisfactory
that a dividend of 2s. yd. was declared, even after making
liberal depreciation. The Small Savings Bank was a success
soon after its establishment, and the Cottage Building
Department grew rapidly and successfully. The question
of payment for the services of the Literary Committee is
first discussed at this time.
The next year's balance sheets call for no special
comment, as they are merely a record of financial progress.
Commencing with the sixty-ninth report, issued on March
13th, 1877, we have the first payment of a 3s. dividend,
which has now come to be looked upon as a usual
thing. Business progress is recorded by the commencement
of the Butchering business in Bow Street, where it was
intended to keep a constant supply of meat of the best
quality. Attention is called to the Co-operative supply of
good house fire coal from the Bugle Horn Colliery, in which
the Society was a shareholder, and support is asked for.
The recommendation of the Committee to the members
that a permanent Secretary be appointed was carried, and
Mr. Hackney was appointed, his services prior to this date
being more in the nature of Secretary to the Committee, and
was elective. The names of the members of the Educational
Committee now appear in the balance sheets for the first
time.
630 History of the Great and Little Bolton
With the seventy-first balance sheet started the
members' meetings in the Large Hall on Monday evenings
at 7-30 p.m., the first Monday in the month being selected.
Attention is called to the lack of support to the coal supplied
from our own coUiery, and to the need for supporting the
production of articles of Co-operative manufacture
generally. Attention is called to the Library being open
for the issuing of books, &c., from six to seven p.m. on
Saturdays.
The seventy-second report calls attention to the great
strike and the continued depression in trade, but the
business and capital increase in spite of these draw-
backs.
The next two reports, bringing affairs up to June nth,
1878, show progress made even though aU prevailing
conditions were against it. The Astley Bridge Shop,
Butchering Department, and Boot and Shoe Department
were opened, and also a Reading-room there. AU the same,
progress is recorded by the acquiring of premises in Darcy
Lever for a new Branch Store.
The close of the nineteenth year's working, on December
17th, 1878, found the Society somewhat under a cloud
owing to the loss on the Bugle Horn Colliery and the need
for a further investment of £2,000. Receipts are shown
from twenty-four departments.
The next report, for the quarter ended March 19th,
1879, shows much better, to the extent of the share capital
being increased to over £100,000, and a standard rate of
dividend of 2S. 6d.
For the quarter ended September i6th, 1879, is recorded
the commencement of the Furniture Department. This
was run at first in connection with the Drapery Department
in Bridge Street. The announcement states : —
This department includes furniture of all descriptions, bedsteads
and bedding, carpets, oilcloths, &c. The articles we sell give great
Co-operative Society Limited. • 631
satisfaction, and we feel sure that the members raay profitably give
increased support to this Branch.
Attention is also called to the fact that Boots and Shoes
could be obtained at any of our Branch Boot and Shoe
Departments in exchange for Clothing Club tickets, and that
the articles supplied at the Branches were exactly of the same
quality and the same prices as those supplied at the Central
Boot and Shoe Department. Many members seemed to be
under a misapprehension on these points.
The end of twenty years' working, as shown by the
eightieth balance sheet, is remarkable, and the notices
thereon are worth attention. The following selections show
the status of the Society at that period : —
The year about to close has been marked by numerous com-
mercial disasters. Our town has not escaped, and the excitement
thus raised has caused the period to be One of extreme anxiety to
your Committee. It is a matter for congratulation that this Society
has passed through such a trying time so creditably, and has so well
proved its strength. We may all rest assured that a period, of very
much extended usefulness is now before us.
The Cottage Building Department has this year received a con-
siderable amount of attention from us, and does now, we feel sure,
offer greater advantages to borrowers on security of property than
can be obtained elsewhere. The inspection fees .are light, the legal
expenses have been cut down to the lowest possible point, the
repayment of the amount borrowed is spread over twenty years if
necessary, and the interest charged is only at the rate of 5 per cent
per annum, payable quarterly on the balance of the principal owing
at the beginning of each quarter. In offering such undoubted
advantages we have two objects in view : one is to open out a
perfectly safe investment for the surplus funds of the Society, and
the other is to make the purchase of their own dwelling-houses an
easy rpatter to the members, or to assist those members who have
accumulated more money than can be invested in the Society to
invest their money in property. At the same time, however, we are
thoroughly determined not to encourage purely speculative building.
The Juvenile Savings Bank then had 1,750 depositors,
who had ^ygj deposited. The interest paid on deposits is
nearly 3J per cent. A list of rules for the government of
this Bank follows. Not content with the existing position,
the announcement is made of the building of the Branch
632 History of the Great and, Little Bolton
Store in Bradford Street, Haulgh, which was opened on
Friday, April i6th, 1880.
The eighty-first and eighty-second reports contain little
of moment beyond business increases. The second is the
more interesting from the facts recorded therein. First, the
business was in excess of any previous quarter, and the
rapid increase of business in most of the departments
located at the Centred Stores, and the disadvantages under
which some of the departments had been conducted for
want of space, compelled search to be made for additioncil
accommodation. This is fittingly put : —
We are glad to be able to report that we have at length secured
what appears to us to be exceedingly eligible premises for the purpose,
being the premises at the corner of Bridge Street and Bark Street,
lately occupied as a bottling establishment for ale and porter, with
the confectioner's shop attached, and the corn warehouse now in the
occupation of Mr. Joseph Ormerod.
Taking all circumstances into consideration, we consider that we
have made a most advantageous purchase. The departments which
it is our present intention to remove to the new premises are the
Boot and Shoe Department, and the Drapery, Millinery and Dress-
making, and Furnishing Departments, giving considerably more
space to each than they now occupy, and keeping the different
branches more distinct and separate. The space then placed at our
disposal we shall be able to make good use of in rearranging in a more
satisfactory manner other departments.
Premises were purchased at the lower end of Folds
Road, and active operations soon commenced for a new
Branch Store there. During this period the Pikes Lane
Store underwent considerable alteration, and was made
into a good commodious Store. The work of altering and
enlarging the Brownlow Fold Store was also taken in
hand.
Another step forward was made by the Society becoming
the Bolton agents for the Co-operative Insurance Society of
Manchester, in which Society we are interested as share-
holders.
A significant feature is the notice given that in future
persons would only be admitted to Members' Meetings on
Co-operative Society Limited. 633
production of their contribution book or the Office receipt
for the same.
The eighty-fourth balance sheet, issued December 14th,
1880, is chiefly interesting from the resume of the Cottage
BuUding Department therein : —
At the close of last year we brought the Cottage Building Depart-
ment prominently under your notice, showing the advantages which
a then revision of the charges made enabled us to offer to members
wishing to obtain advances on security of property. The result has
been eminently satisfactory, the large sum of 1^10,764 having been
advanced during this year on the security of mortgages on house
property, and is especially pleasing from the fact that your Com-
mittee have consistently acted on the determination they expressed
at the close of last year not to encourage purely speculative building,
but to confine their operations to assisting members to purchase
their own dwelling-houses, or to assist those members who have
saved more money than can be invested in the Society to invest their
money in property. This fact renders our securities all the more
valuable. Our Cottage Building Department now deservedly takes
the lead of any similar institution in the town, the most popular
features being that, the payment of interest not being mixed up
with the repayment of principal, borrowers are able to see what rate
of interest they are really paying, and there being no attempt to
harass borrowers by the infliction of fines on all possible occasions.
The Juvenile Savings Bank has increased during the year to 2,396
members, and the amount invested in the Bank to ^1,244. 17s. iid.
The Folds Road Grocery and Provision Store and the
Moor Lane Store were opened for business in January, 1881.
Attention was called to the increased accommodation
which the opening of these Stores and the recent enlarge-
ment of others provided ; and members were asked to take
advantage of the same. Our grocery and provision trade,
compared with that of some Societies established in much
smaller towns, and consisting of fewer members, was com-
paratively small. It was with the hope of improving this
state of things that greater facilities were offered. Arrange-
ments were made with Messrs. Cheetham and Son,
Deansgate, Bolton, the well-known hatters, to supply caps
and hats to our members, on which checks were given.
Members purchasing at that establishment received on
application a ticket showing the amount of purchase. This,
634 History of the Great and Little Bolton
on being delivered at the Tailoring Department, Bow
Street, was exchanged for ordinary checks to the same
value.
This closed the twenty-first year's working with a
turnover of £^o,o'j%. lis. yd , which is £7,500 more than the
previous quarter, and £10,000 more than the corresponding
quarter of the previous year.
This was a period of general rejoicing, and many were
the comments made at this time on the success of the
Society. Efforts were also made to mark out the occasion
as a special one, as is recorded in the " General History."
Co-operative Society Limited. 635
CHAPTER LXXVI.
1881-1884.
OWING to the colliers' strike and the suspension of
outdoor work during the greater portion of the
quarter, the eighty-iifth report, issued March 15th,
1881, does not show up as weU as usual, but the business
compared with the previous year shows a good increase.
Folds Road and Moor Lane Stores were both open for
business, and were said to be fuUy answering expectations.
With the eighty-sixth balance sheet, for quarter ended
June 14th, 1881, came an illustrated report for the first
time. The block used showed the Central premises as it
then was. Attention must be directed to this quarter's
balance sheet, because it was for the first time issued in an
amended form, corresponding somewhat to the one we now
know. The old form of balance sheet was the one adopted
at the commencement of the Society, and was in use for
twenty-one years. It was perhaps sufficient when originally
adopted, the business of the Society being very small, and
any information required from the balance sheet being then
easily obtainable. With the growth of the Society, however,
and especially the rapid growth then recorded, it was
necessary to develop from the old form, and to adopt a form
better adapted to the requirements of the large business,
and more in harmony with the form adopted by other large
Societies. The advantages claimed for the revised form
were : that it showed a separate cash, capital, distributive,
expenses, and trade accounts. The distributive expenses
account showed the net amount the working of the Society
cost, and this information, in connection with the
working of any large concern, is a very important
point, much of the success depending on the ' working
expenses being kept at the lowest limit consistent with
efficient working. It is, therefore, necessary that the
information should be furnished to those interested to
636 History of the Great and Little Bolton
enable them to keep a constant check on the growth of
the expenses. The Stores at Daubhill having become
totally inadequate for the business there, a piece of land
was taken opposite, and more commodious premises
erected, including a Reading-room. Alterations were also
made to the Halliwell Road Store, which had the effect of
considerably enlarging and improving the shop, and
remedied the unfavourable conditions under which business
had been carried on there previously.
The eighty-seventh report and balance sheet, issued on
September 13th, 1881, is an exceedingly terse document.
An all-round increase is recorded in shop receipts, share
capital, and a large one in membership. The working
expenses, including interest on capital, wages, rents, rates,
&c., and ;f39i. 5s. yd. for depreciation of buUdings and
fixed stock, only amounted to is. o|d. per £ of the receipts,
.or a little over 5 per cent.
The eighty-eighth report, for December 13th, 1881,
gives an interesting summary of the results of the twenty-
second year's working. Membership increased from 8,547
to 9,313, and the share capital from ;^ii3,575 to ^125,378.
The total receipts for goods sold were ;f2ig,657, an increase
of ^40,291 over the preceding year. The working expenses
for the year, including interest on capital, wages, rents,
rates, &c., and £1,509 for depreciation of buildings and
fixed stock, amount to is. ofd. per £ of the receipts, which
was a rate exceedingly low, and below the average of former
years, showing that, owing to the large increase of business,
the additional expenses entailed in connection with the
erection and improvement of shops, had been, more than
covered. The usual apportionments were made. The
Juveniles' Savings Bank increased during the year from
2,396 members to 3,108, and the amount invested from
£1,244 to £1,589. Two new Grocery and Provision Stores
(Folds Road and Moor Lane) were opened, and the Halliwell
Road Stores considerably enlarged and improved. The new
Draper's Shops and Boot and Shoe Shops in Bridge Street
were opened, and furnished accommodation and convenience
not found elsewhere in Bolton. The Furniture Department
in Bark Street was in hand, and improvements foreshadowed
Co-operative Society Limited. 637
by the proposal to devote the old Boot and Shoe Shop
to the Hat and Cap and Gentlemen's Outfitting business,
to remove the Tailoring Department to that portion of the
premises till then occupied by the Drapery Department,
and to add the then Tailor's shop to the Butcher's Shop.
The additions and improvements in buildings generally
effected during the year afforded accommodation and
advantages in themselves of great value to the members,
and it is a pleasing fact that the enterprise of the Committee
met with such a response in the shape of increased business
that the additional expenses incurred were more than met.
Apart from the increases recorded by the eighty-ninth
report, for the quarter ended March 14th, 1882, many
interesting facts are recorded therein.
The Furniture Department is now separated from the Drapery
Department and is located in premises in Bark Street, adjoining the
new building. A competent man has been engaged to conduct it ;
the stock has been considerably enlarged and improved, and the
department is now well worthy of support. The Hat and Cap shop,
Bridge Street, is now open, with an entirely new stock of the latest
and best goods. A practical man is in charge of it, and we are
confident that this branch of business will be successful and give
satisfaction in every way to the members.
We have just placed the Drapery Department under new manage-
ment. The person we have selected is experienced and well qualified
for the situation, and we have no doubt that under his management
the enormous business now done in this department will be conducted
to the satisfaction of both the members and the Committee, and that the
department will flourish more in the future than even it has in the past.
In our Clothing Department we can now offer such convenience,
choice of articles and prices, as cannot be met with at any other
establishment in the town, and we strongly urge the members to
make the most of the advantages offered. Support is also asked for
the various Grocery and Provision Stores, in order that this Society
may take its proper place amongst Co-operative Societies for extent
of business. A prospectus containing particulars in a plain and
simple form of our Building Department rules has been printed,
and can be obtained on application at the Office.
The ninetieth report, for the quarter ended June 13th,
1882, records increases and progress in the numerous
departments. The old Store at Daubhill was converted
into a Boot and Shoe Repairing Shop and Clog Shop.
Excursions for the August holidays were foreshadowed to
the popular places.
638 History of the Great and Little Bolton
The ninety-first report contains little of interest beyond
a motion " That checks be given on all articles of the value
of id. and upwards sold in our shops." Up to the end of
the twenty-third year a request is made on the balance
sheets " that all members get their paper checks changed
for metallic checks immediately after making their pur-
chases."
The result of twenty-three years' working of the Society
is well shown in the ninety-second balance sheet, issued
December 12th, 1882. The reserve fund amounted to
£3,200. The Small Savings Bank depositors increased
from 3,108 to 3,500, and the amount deposited from £i,S^^
to £l,&oj. The advances made on mortgage of cottage
property, and the payments for cottage property bought
by the Society, amounted to ^^9,228, and the repayments
to £4,841, thus showing how popular this departrnent was
becoming, even at so early a date in the history of the
Society.
The ninety-third report, for March 13th, 1883, shows an
increase of the dividend to 2s. 8d. The keeping of the
dividend up to 2s. 6d. in the £ as a regular thing for a short
time undoubtedly brought in a large access of new members,
adding largely towards the success of the Society. The work
of enlarging Victory Store was completed, and that Store
made into a commodious one and well adapted for carrying
on increased business. The enlarging of Hibbert Street
Store was also decided upon, and a plot of land secured in
George Street, near St. Bartholomew's Church, for the
erection of a Store for the Rose Hill neighbourhood. A
Branch Butchering Department was opened at Hibbert
Street, and premises secured in Venture Street for the
opening of one in that neighbourhood also. Powers were
sought by the Committee to enable them to invest surplus
capital of the Society in bank, railway, or Government
shares or stocks, in such sums and at such times as might
be deemed expedient by them, and that the Committee
should have power to secure sites for Branch Stores as
favourable opportunities presented themselves.
The ninety-fourth report, issued June 12th, 1883,
shows a substantial growth in all departments. The
Co-operative Society Limited. 639
Committee congratulated the members on these results,
which show that the Society was rapidly and steadily
increasing in every respect, whilst the large amount set
aside each quarter for depreciation of buildings and fixed
stock is a guarantee that this remarkably rapid development
was being accomplished on a safe basis. A plot of land
was secured in Thwaites Street, off St. John Street, Little
Bolton, for the erection of a Branch Stores.
The ninety-fifth report, September nth, 1883, is a very
favourable one. The Bakehouse accommodation being
totally inadequate to meet the requirements of the largely-
increased business, and as no means' of extension were
possible in the cellars then occupied, powers were asked for
to sanction the taking of land and the erection of a Bake-
house on the most' modern and approved principles,
including the use of machinery for mixing, &c. Attention
is drawn to an Act of Parliament passed during the prior
session, which extended the power of nomination by
members of Co-operative Societies by increasing the amount
they could nominate for from £50 to £100. Any member,
therefore, could, on signing the necessary form at the
Office of the Society, nominate a person or persons to whom
his or her shares in the Society should be transferred or
paid at his or her decease, providing that the amount credited
to any such member in the books of the Society did not
exceed £100. Any nomination may be revoked or varied
during the lifetime of the nominator. No charge is made
for any of these things.
Twenty-four years' working was brought to an end by
the issue of the ninety-sixth report, for the quarter ended
December nth, 1883. Satisfactory results are shown
therein. Rose Hill and Thwaites Street Stores are announced
as being opened for business. A plot of land between Kay
Street and All Saints' Street was secured for the site of the
new Bakehouse, which was erected on the best known
principle.
With the ninety-seventh report, for March nth, 1884,
we note the record of the satisfactory working of the
Rose Hill and Thwaites Street Stores, and good returns
are announced as being secured therefrom. The Reading-
640 History of the Great and, Little Bolton
rooms in connection with those Stores were also completed
and quickly furnished. Premises were also taken in Regent
Street, Victory, for a Reading-room for that district. The
commencing of building operations in connection with the
new Bakehouse was announced, and the letting of the
contract for the enlargement of Derby Street Store, so that
this period may safely be considered as a period of great
business development. Whit Week excursions to the
various popular watering places were also well to the fore.
The next balance sheet has little of interest beyond the
seeking of powers by the Committee of Management for the
investment of £5,000 of the surplus capital of the Society.
The same remark applies also to the next one, as they
are simply records of financial progress.
The looth balance sheet, issued on December i6th,
1884, is interesting from the fact that it records a quarter
of a century's work of the Society, and although no special
feature is shown therein beyond the question of subscribing
to lifeboat "Co-operator No. 2," still, if we glance through
the financial standing of the Society and its status, the
progress it has attained at that period of its existence is a
remarkable one. It is shown that during the December
quarter of 1883 alone 5,826 sacks of flour, of the value of
£9,796, were dealt in, and 209 tons of sugar, of the value of
£5.633 ; while during the December quarter of 1884, the
period under review, 6,116 sacks of flour, of the value of
£8,133, and 224 tons of sugar, of the value of £4,371, were
sold, thus showing that, while the progress of business had
been satisfactory, there had also been a satisfactory reduc-
tion in the prices paid by the members for the articles so
greatly needed. Financially its standing, compared with
the first report issued, is disclosed by the admirable array of
imposing figures, all recording great progress, and largely-
increased prosperity and standing of the young Society.
No matter what section be taken — membership, deposits,
investments. Savings Bank, or buildings — they all alike
show remarkable progress. The working expenses (including
£7,564 for interest on capital, £2,309 for depreciation of
buildings and fixed stock, also wages, rent, rates, &c.) amount
to IS. ojd. per £ of the receipts.
Co-operative Society Limited. 641
CHAPTER LXXVII.
1885-1892.
CHE most important feature of the next balance sheet,
No. loi, March 17th, 1885, is the recommendation
by the Committee of Management that the rate of
interest allowed on share capital should be reduced ircm 5
per cent per annum to 4^ per cent per annum, or from 3d.
in the £ per quarter to 2\d. in the / per quarter. This step
was taken for the following reasons : —
Money is now so plentiful and cheap, and so likely to continue in
that state, that there is a general reduction in the rate of interest
allowed for it, so much so that a rate of 5 per cent, where security
is, like ours, exceptionally good, is considerably above the market
rate. The payment of a higher rate of interest than can be obtained
elsewhere, with the same security, is such a strong inducement that
capital is naturally being drawn to us at a rapid rate, and, as you
will see from the balance sheet, we have now ^^24,000 lying at the
bank at 3 per cent, for which we are paying 5 per cent. It is
evidently necessary to take some action to prevent matters getting
worse in this direction. We have long and carefully considered the
subject, and discussed all the various remedies which suggested
themselves, with the result that we have come to the conclusion that
the course we recommend is the best under all the circumstances of
the case. This course has been adopted with us in the case of
Societies in which we have deposits, so far as deposit money is con-
cerned, and has been adopted by. other retail Societies with their
members. If our recommendation is adopted, and the effect is to
cause those members who use the Society principally as a means of
investment to withdraw their investments, the result will be to
strengthen the position of the Society, and will be beneficial to the
really loyal members, as well as relieving your Committee of the
anxiety caused by having a large amount of capital unemployed. If
we do experience this relief, we believe that we can find safe invest-
ments for surplus capital at such rates of interest that it will at least
pay its own way, and we shall feel a confidence in making investments
which we do not feel under present cicumstances. For these reasons
we earnestly urge you to adopt our recommendation.
This recommendation was carried.
As a result of the decrease in the rate of interest the
next balance sheet shows a slight fall in the share capital
642 History of the Great and Little Bolton
deposited, but it is less than ^^4,000, and the sales show the
largest ordinary quarter's business recorded up to that period,
enabling the usual distributions to be made and additional
depreciations to be effected.
The 103rd balance sheet records the upward trend of
capital deposits and general increases in receipts.
The year 1885, as recorded by the balance sheet for
quarter ending December 15th, shows substantial progress
in all sections of the business. Members increase to 12,141,
share capital to £173,930, sales amount to £84,638, an
increase of over £4,000 compared with 1884. The usual
apportionments are made. The reserve fund amounted to
£5,679. 9s. 4d., and during the year a total sum of £3,562
was written off for depreciation. The Savings Bank
depositors increased to 4,221, and the amount deposited by
them to £2,688. Advances amounting to £7,739 were made
on mortgages of cottage property, and £6,722 was paid back
again into the coffers of the Society. The starting of a new
Grocery Branch on Tonge Moor Road, and the purchase of
premises in Rosamund Street, Daubhill (close to the
Grocery Branch) for a Butchering Branch, was announced.
Attention was also called to a Course of Lectures arranged
by the Educational Committee in connection with the
Oxford University Extension Scheme and the Annual Party
in February.
The March quarter's report in 1866 records the
opening of the Daubhill Butchers' Shop and the opening of
another in Pikes Lane, and the arrangement to purchase
premises near the Victory Stores for another, and the
proposal was made to erect another in connection with the
Halliwell Road Stores. It is quite a business increase
report this one, but the most interesting departure was the
statement that we were intending to go into the milk
business, and had nearly completed our arrangements.
Many large Societies were already engaged in it, and had
made a very gratifying success of the business. We
expected to do the same, as the milk would be the best
quality obtainable, and would be sold at a very reasonable
price. Looking at the announcement now, we cannot help
Co-operative Society Limited. 643
but feel gratified that these forecasts have been so amply
fuJfiUed.
The io6th report and balance sheet, June 15th, 1886,
opens with the congratulatory statement that it is the most
satisfactory one ever issued by the Society. The figures
are good. The proposed new Store at Tonge Moor opened
for business on May 21st, 1886, and was recorded as doing
a fairly good business. Further business developments were
foreshadowed by a request for further powers to erect two
additional Stores, and the statement that one is about to be
started in Rishton Lane, Great Lever.
The next report presents no special feature, but the
io8th, which records the closing of the work of the year
1886, does. Members increase to 12,557, 3-iid the share
capital to £178,675. The sales amounted to £335,877, and
this was stated to be the largest yearly turnover we had
ever had. Savings Bank depositors increased to 4,800,
and the amount to their credit to £3,063. i8s. 8d. Advances
amounting to £14,757. 17s. gd. were made on mortgages of
cottage property, and £7,893 paid off. The Co-operative
Insurance Society having commenced a Life Assiirance
Department our members could be insured in this depart-
ment on advantageous terms through the Office.
The report for the quarter ended March 15th, 1887,
marks a further step forward in the development of the
Central premises by the announcement : —
In accordance with the powers granted us at the Quarterly Meet-
ing, and for the extension of our Central premises, we have arranged
to purchase the premises known as the Bridge Street Mill. In the
purchase are included the mill buildings, warehouses, engine and
boiler houses, steam boiler, two steam engines, and a quantity of
millwrights' work. We have arranged to purchase the whole for
;f2,ioo. Although we are unable at present to state definitely how
the premises will be utilised, it is probable that a Boot and Shoe
Department, a Furnishing Department, to include earthenware,
hardware, and offices, will be arranged for. This would leave the
Bridge Street and Bark Street premises available for the wants of
the Erapery Department, which can make use of the whole of those
premises with advantage.
We have at length secured a plot of land in Rishton Lane, Great
Lever, for the erection of a Branch Store, and hope to have it erected
in the course of a few months. We have also arranged to take a
plot of land in High Street for the erection of a Branch Store there.
644 History of the Great and Little Bolton
In compliance with a requisition and repeated requests from
Doffcocker, we have taken premises on lease there in wluch to open
a Branch Store, and intend to open it in the course of a few weeks.
Seeing that all these extensions mean increased expenses, may we
not ask the whole of the members to help us to increase our business
to even a greater extent than will be sufficient to meet these increased
expenses ? This Society ought to do a business of at least ;^ioo,ooo
per quarter, and it would be a grand way of commemorating the
Jubilee year if the members would increase the business to that
amount.
This is the first report issued in which the firm of P. and J.
Kevan act in the capacity of auditors of the accounts.
There is nothing of an historical character in the next
report, which is merely a compilation of business dealings.
The I nth report, September 13th, 1887, marks another
step in the recommendation of the Committee of Manage-
ment : " That power be granted us to rent a Dairy Farm in
the neighbourhood of Bolton when a suitable opportunity
presents itself." Tonga Head Farm, Castle Hill, was
eventually leased.
The 112th report, for quarter ended December 13th,
1887, and marking as it does another year's working, is not
quite so optimistic as usual. While aU round increases are
recorded there is a comparative decrease on the previous
year's work, the strike in the town at this period accounting
for this. An appeal is made for support of the Milk Depart-
ment, which at this time had only a poor business. The
Society was supplying good milk at 3d. per quart, and they
earnestly urged the members to give their assistance in
making the business a success. Rishton Lane Store was
opened for business. Results for the year 1887 : Members
increase to 12,737, share capital to £188,448, Savings
Bank depositors to 5,413, and the amount to £3589.
Advances amounting to £15,815 were made on mortgage
of cottage property, and £8,467 paid off.
We pass on to the 114th report, June 12th, 1888, before
anything further of an historical character appears, and then
it is only in the form of a passing reference to the Central
premises, which stated that they would be a credit both to
the town and to the Society.
Co-operative Society Limited. 645
The close of the year 1888 as recorded in the ii6th
balance sheet is marked by an all-round increase that is
considerable. The comment is made that the figures, so
well tell their own tale that they need no additional
explanation or commendation. The new roadway and part
of the new warehouse commenced to be brought into use
at this time, and as the Annual Tea Party and Entertain-
ment was to be held on Saturday, February 23rd, 1889, the
occasion was also taken advantage of to celebrate the
opening of the new premises, and the demonstration was
made as imposing as possible.
The I20th report and balance sheet, December 17th,
1889, is reached before anything of special notice is set down
beyond figure increases. Members, 13,897 ; share capital,
£245,255 ; sales, £<^g,-^(^x. Advances amounting to
/22,944 were made on mortgage of cottage property, and
£15.534 was repaid by the mortgagors. Savings Bank
depositors went to 7,800, and the amount to ^£5,932. The
Lord Bishop of Manchester consented to give the address
which is usual at the Annual Party in February, 1890.
Another year passes before anything of note creeps into
the reports, and the 124th, for the quarter ended December
i6th, i8go, records a further extension in the proposal to
erect two more Branch Grocery Stores, one at Tonge Fold,
and another in Astley Street. Members increase to 15,080,
and the share capital to £276,839. The sales amounted to
£428,529. Reserve fund amounted to £7,808, and the
insurance fund to £1,769, and a substantial depreciation
written off. Advances amounting to £33,285 were made
on mortgage of cottage property, and £16,975 repaid. The
Savings Bank depositors increased to 9,700 and the amount
to £7,648. These figures show the stabilty and continued
prosperity of the Society.
With the next report a different and fuller form of
balance sheet was adopted, and the 127th report, for
September 15th, 1891, again records progress. The new
Branch Stores at Tonge Fold and Astley Street were opened
for business on Friday, October 9th, 1891. Two others
646 History of the Great and Little Bolton
were in course of erection, one in Gibbon Street, and the
other at Morris Green, Daubhill, and property was pur-
chased in Turton Road for another.
Reaching the December quarter of 1891 we again notice
great progress. Members increase to 16,617 '• share capital
to £316,585 ; sales amount to £496. os. lod. ; reserve fund
to ^8,918, and the insurance fund to £2,932 ; depreciation,
£4,346. Advances amounting to £41,217 were made on
mortgage of property, and £21,340 repaid by the mort-
gagors. The Savings Bank depositors increased to 10,600,
and the amount deposited to £9,191. A Branch Butcher's
Shop was added to the Astley Street Store.
We pass on to the 131st balance sheet, September 13th,
1892, before any material increase in the Society is again
recorded. This occurs in the request of the Committee of
Management that they be granted powers to erect three
new Branch Stores as opportunities arise, and also that they
be empowered to erect Central premises at the junction o"f
Bridge Street and St. George's Road, now the Drapery
Department. Commencing with Monday, September 5th,
1892, a further reduction of working hours for the employes
is recorded, no establishment being open later than 9 o'clock,
and that only on two nights in the week, Friday and
Saturda}'.
The year 1892 finished with a very material record of
progress made, as shown on the 132nd balance sheet, for
December 13th, 1892. Members increase to 18,009 '. share
capital to £356,495 ; sales to £134,646 for quarter, and for
the year £516,904. Very ample depreciations are made. The
reserve fund stood at £9,135, and the insurance fund went up
to £3.416. During the year £3,754 was written off the value
of our buildmgs and fixed stock as depreciation. Advances
amounting to £36,896 were made on mortgage of cottage
property, and £23,892 was repaid by the mortgagors The
Savmgs Bank depositors increased to 12,000 and the
amount deposited to £10,225. During the year' Branch
Grocery Stores were opened at Morris Green, Gibbon Street
and Turton Road, and Branch premises were in course of
erection in Eskrick Street for grocery, butchcrmp- ;n>ri k^^+
and shoe busmesses.
Co-operative Society Limited. 647
CHAPTER LXXVIir.
1893-1900.
CHE 134th report, for June, 1893, brings out
prominently that the members' interest in the
workings of the governing body are very much to
the fore. Motions are contained therein for hmiting the
time of service of a member on the Committees of Manage-
ment and Education. Donations are proposed for the rehef
of distress caused by the Thornhill Colliery disaster, and to
the fund for a day's enjoyment for waifs and strays,
deserving poor, and the unemployed of Bolton on the
occasion of the Royal Wedding on July 6th. How closely
the Society is in touch with current events, and how ready
its members are to afford relief when deemed fitting, is
amply shown by the perusal of any of the later balance
sheets. A Committee was also appointed to consider the
question of Co-operative production.
In the next report the Committee ask for discretionary
power to distribute £50 towards charitable objects, and
ask that their action in distributing groceries and provisions
to the extent of £145 towards the relief of the distress in
Bolton and neighbourhood, which was caused by the coal
dispute, be confirmed. Several further investments are
taken up. In spite of the deterring conditions caused by
poverty and distress in 1893, the year closes with substantial
increases, as shown in the 136th report, for December, 1893.
Members increase to 18,903, and the share capital to
£385,820. The sales amounted to £526,747. Ample
depreciations are made, and the usual bonus to servants
provided. The reserve fund increased to £8,354, and the
insurance fund to £3.779- During the year £4,634 was
written off the value of our buildings and fixed stock as
depreciation. Advances amounting to £39,258 were made
648 History of the Great and Little Bolton
on the mortgage of cottage property ; and £24,032 was
repaid by the mortgagors. The Savings Bank depositors
increased to 13,200, and the amount deposited to £10,324.
During the year Branch Grocery Stores were opened in
Eskrick Street, Halliwell Road (lower end), and Deane
Road ; a Branch Shoe Department and a Branch Butchery
Department in Eskrick Street, and Branch Butchery
Departments at Tonga Moor and Tonge Fold. A further
£45 was granted towards the relief of distress in Bolton.
The 138th report, for June, 1894, is rather interesting
from the recommendation contained therein : —
That we consider the advisability of bringing for ward and
supporting Co-operative candidates for election on the pubhc bodies
of the town.
A truly democratic step, but it failed to carry.
The 140th report gives a very fair summary of the
results of the year's work in 1894. Members increased to
19,925, and the share capital had a corresponding increase
to £416,932. The sales went up to £545,584, an increase of
£18,837 over the year 1893. The reserve fund was increased
to £8,602, and the insurance fund to £4,181. During the
year £3,822 was written off the value of buildings and
fixed stock as depreciation. Advances amounting to
£37,827 were made on mortgage of cottage property, and
£30,889 was returned by mortgagors. The Savings Bank
depositors increased to 14,000 and the amount deposited
to £11,660.
The next report deals fittingly with the increase of
business and corresponding increase in the responsibility
resting on the shoulders of the management by the motion
recorded thereon : —
That, in view of the continued progress and increasing business
of the Society bringing with it additional labour to the Committee
of Management, it is desirable to increase their remuneration as
follows : — President, from £2. los. to £-i. los. per quarter ; and
Committee-men, from £z to £-i per quarter ; to come in force with
the quarter ending June, 1895. Also that the remuneration of the
Educational Committee be increased from 15s. to /i per quarter.
The following balance sheet, for September, 1895, fore-
shadows further extensions by the announcement that the
Co-operative Society Limited. 649
new Branch at the corner of Atlas Street, Chorley Old Road,
was then nearing completion, and they had secured land
on Manchester Road, Great Lever, upon which they
proposed to buUd a Grocery and a Butchery Department.
This is now called the Burnden Store.
The report and balance sheet for the 144th quarter
gives a little general summary of the operations for 1895.
Members increased to 21,218, and share capital to £456,210.
The sales amounted to £$6g,2i'^. The sum of £74,971
was paid in dividend, and £2,086 was allowed for educa-
tional purposes. The reserve funds increased to £10,030,
and the insurance fund to £4,602. During the year £5,737
was written off the value of the buildings and fixed stock
as depreciation. Advances for the mortgage of cottage
property amounting to £50,266 were made, and £34,568
was repaid by the mortgagors.
The report for the 145th quarter, March, 1896, is
exceedingly important, as it marks out the time when a
further reduction of interest given on share capital was
made. The proposal runs as follows : —
That the rate of interest allowed on members' share capital be
reduced from 4j- per cent to 3J per cent per annum, or from zjd. to
2d. per £ per quarter. Also that the rate of interest charged on
mortgage loans be reduced from 4J per cent to 4 per cent per annum,
such reductions to come in force with the quarter commencing June
17th, 1896.
Profits being very good, special depreciations were effected,
among others the whole cost of the telephone plant being
wiped out of the books. A sum of £250 was allocated to the
dividend reserve fund, as the quarter was a record breaker.
Nothing of ;-,reat moment appears in the balance sheets
again until we reach the end of the year 1896, or the 148th
report, and then we get the usual yearly summary. Members
increased to 22,226 ; share capital to £484,723 ; sales
amounted to £586,365, being an increase of £17,152 over the
year 1895. The sum of £77,364 was paid in dividend, and
£2,170 allowed for educational purposes. The reserve fund
went up to £10,496, and the insurance fund to £5,033.
During the year £7,558 was written off the value of our
buildings and fixed stock as depreciation. Advances
650 History of the Great and Little Bolton
amounting to £57,636 were made to members on security
of mortgages on cottage property, and £41,488 was repaid
by the mortgagors. Many grants were made to deserving
institutions and additional investments made.
The first report issued in the year 1897 records the
opening of the new Drapery Department with the statement:
We are now in a position to cater for all classes of society in this
department, and we anticipate that with the extra facilities we have
the increased turnover will more than compensate us for the very
large outlay.
Suggestions were received on the question of making
contributions towards any fund to be raised in commemora-
tion of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Owing to the very
bad state of the cotton trade at this period and the
engineers' dispute, the mid quarter's receipts were not
quite so satisfactory as usual, and it was necessary to draw
on the dividend reserve fund to the extent of £650 only in
order to pay the usual dividend then current of 2s. gd. in
the £. This shows the value and wisdom of having such a
fund in time of stress and interruption of any kind in the
ordinary course of business. All the same, a fair sum of
money is granted also to various institutions, and an
invitation extended to the Co-operative Congress to hold
their meeting in Bolton in the year 1899.
The final (152nd) balance sheet for the year 1897
shows that, when comparing the spending powers of the
members for the same periods in former years, their loyalt}'
is beyond question, the sales for the quarter showing
a decrease of only £1,000 per week during a stiike period
when money was scarce. Owing to the great depression
the goods were also retailed for the smallest margin of
profit, and the dividend reserve fund again used to make
up the usual dividend. The results for the year show an
increase of 592 members, bringing the number then
registered up to 22,818 ; the sales amounted to £581,796.
The profits realised amounted to £82,1^32 ; the usual
dividend of 2s. gd. in the £ was maintained throughout the
year. The sum of £4,812 was applied to deprccialion of
Co-operative Society Limited. &51
trade buildings and fixed stock, and ;fi,ooo to depreciation
of our Ship Canal shares ; ;f 2,012 was devoted to educational
and ;fi,ooo to charitable purposes. Advances amounting
to £62,254 were made to members on security of mortgages
on cottage property, and ;f39,ii3 was repaid by the mort-
gagors. A suggestion was given that the rules of the Society
be revised so as to provide for taking stock half yearly, and
the payment of an interim dividend.
The 153rd report, for the quarter ending March 15th,
i8g8, records with pleasure the end of one of the greatest
industrial conflicts that was ever known in this country.
The result from the financial side was that withdrawals
fell off and contributions again came in to the extent of
£8,478 more 'than the three months previous. The
unsatisfactory results in the Tailoring Department, as the
result of long mismanagement, and of a system of production
by us of ready-made clothing, inaugurated some five or six
years previously, caused an accumulation of heavy stocks of
ready-made garments, which we were unable to dispose of
in the ordinary course of business, and which were disposed
of at considerable loss. This brought about a change of
Manager in the department, in order to put it into a
condition worthy of the premises in which it is located, and
worthy of the Society generally. AU doubtful stock was
cleared out, and nothing but what was new, good, and
fashionable kept, and every effort made to have everything
turned out under the very best conditions.
The 154th — and last quarterly — report and balance
sheet, issued June 14th, 1898, records the clearing out of
the old and surplus stock of the Tailoring Department.
After allowing for the profits made on the quarter's working
of that department and usingupanaccumulateddepreciation
fund of £389, there remained a net loss of £2,031. The
department then began with a clean sheet again, and now
does its fair share along with other departments towards
paying a satisfactory dividend. The pleasing feature was
to note that the sales in the new Drapery Department
amounted to £18,055, which was an increase of £2,140
over any previous quarter.
652 History of the Great and Little Bolton
The amended rules providing for half-yearly stocktakings
having been approved by the Registrar, the next balance
sheet, therefore, covered a period of six months, and the first
six months' balance sheet, issued for the half year ended
December 13th, 1898, starts off auspiciously with an
increase in the dividend to 2S. lod. in the £, and also left a
very substantial balance to dispose of. The sales were a
great increase on previous records, and amounted to
£286,742, the profit realised amounting to £41,869. The
reserve fund benefited by £500. The results for the year
1898 show the number of members to be 23,027, and
sales £580,967. The profits realised amounted to £80,218,
and out of this £77,096 was apportioned amongst the
members as dividend ; the sum of £3,600 was appHed
to depreciation of our buildings and fixtures ; £2,005 for
educational purposes ; and £450 to various charitable
objects ; £50,034 was advanced to members on security of
mortgages on cottage property, and £39,375 was repaid by
borrowers. From members of the Building Department
the sum of £8,607 'was also received for interest on loans.
Commencing the year 1899 well, the sales for the half
year ending June 13th reached the magnificent total of
£322,874, which shows a large increase of business. The
profits were also exceptionally good, and, owing to the very
large increase in the trade, the working expenses were
brought down to the low point of only is. 3|d. in the £. The
balance disposable for the half year amounted to £50,181,
and the dividend was increased to 2S. iid., making an
average of 2S. lojd. for the six months. After providing
for all fixed charges a sum of £3,160 was still left, which was
apportioned as follows : Reserve fund, £1,000 ; dividend
reserve fund, £1,000 ; special depreciation of fixed stock,
£600 ; depreciation of Ship Canal shares, £500 ; the rest
carried forward.
The end of the year 1899, as recorded in the balance
sheet of December 12th, 1899, is a record of great business
done. The members increased to 24,792 ; year's turnover,
£^AZA77 ; profit, £98,452 ; dividend credited to members!
£89,977 ; dividend on checks cashed in Of&ce, £1,868 ;
Co-operative Society Limited. 653
granted for educational purposes, £2,461 ; for charitable
purposes, /308 ; advances to members on cottage property,
;f62,6o7 ; mortgage repayments by borrowers, £46,788.
The balance sheet for the half year ending June 12th,
1900, starts off in a happy fashion : —
It is now getting an old story with us to say, " We have pleasure
in submitting for your approval and adoption the most successful
balance sheet in the Society's history," but such is nevertheless the
fact, that each balance sheet which has been issued for some time
past has been an improvement on its predecessor, and we are pleased
to say the one we have now the honour of submitting to you is no
exception to the rule, the business done during the half year amount-
ing to the grand total of ;f36i,8o4, and showing a very satisfactory
increase all round.
As was predicted when we departed from the old-established 2S.
gd. dividend, there has been a satisfactory reduction in the rate per
£ of working expenses, owing to our being so well equipped, both in
accommodation and staff, to cope with the extraordinary increase
of trade which followed the increase of dividend, the extra trade
having been worked with practically no additional expense, and, as
trade still continues to flow towards us, we anticipate that our burden
of expenses will still further be lightened, which, of course, means
additional profits for disposal. We trust this little hint will be
sufficient to induce the whole of our members to give us their
undivided patronage.
The remuneration of the Educational Committee for
their services was increased from £1 to £1. los. per quarter ;
and the remuneration of the Committee of Management
also : President, from £3. los. to £4. los. per quarter ;
Committee-men, from £3 to £4 per quarter.
The final report for the year ended December iith,
1900, is also good, enabling a 2S. iid. dividend to be declared.
Members increased to 26,448 ; sales amounted to £709,941,
an increase of £66,493 over the previous year. In the Cottage
Building Department advances were made amounting to
£63,882, and the repayments amounted to £47,094 ; for
educational purposes £2,698 was granted, and donations
and subscriptions were made to the extent of £928. The
Owen Memorial fund was recognised by a subscription.
654 History of the Great and Little Bolton
CHAPTER LXXIX.
1901-1909.
ANOTHER " record " balance sheet was submitted
for the first half of 1901, the sales exceeding any
previous half year by £22,563 ; special depreciation
of horses, £500 ; and £500 put to the dividend reserve fund,
with a goodly sum carried forward.
On May 17th, 1901, a Branch shop was opened at Bank
Top, Sharpies, which was very much appreciated by the
members in that out-of-the-way village. New Branch Stores
were in course of erection at Dobson Road and in Deane
Church Lane. The Painting Department was initiated and
put in full working order, fifteen men being then constantly
employed, the department advertising itself by the quality
of the work done.
The latter half of the year 1901 enabled the 3s. dividend
in the £ to be commenced, and a very substantial balance
left also for disposal. The results for the year were an
increase of members to 28,019 ; the sales to £772,347, an
increase of £62,405 over the previous year. The share
capital stood at £602,083, which was £25,595 more than a
year ago. The sum of £2,973 was devoted to educational
purposes, and a similar sum granted as bonus to servants.
During the year the sum of £4,876 was written off the value
of our buildings and fixtures as depreciation. The reserve
funds were brought up to the respectable total of £10,735,
and the insurance fund to £7,372. Advances amounting
to £71,110 were made on mortgages of cottage property,
and £51,003 repaid by mortgagors.
The year 1902 was marked by the disastrous fii-e at the
Drapery Department, and it is commented on in the report
for the first half of the year : —
In rendering to you an account of our stewardship for the past
half year, we desire first to express to you our regret at the great
Co-operative Society Limited. 655
inconvenience which was caused, and to assure you we are doing all
that lies in our power to minimise the evil. As you will readily
understand, to overcome the many difficulties caused by such a
disaster requires a great amount of anxious thought and attention.
We were, however, very much encouraged in our work by your
patient endurance, and by the many expressions of sympathy we
hear from members all around us, and also from many other Societies
throughout the country. Not having settled with the insurance
companies, the value of the stock held by us in the Temperance Hall
is of no use for balancing purposes. We have, therefore, been obliged
to estimate the drapery stock, and have arrived at its value by giving
the department credit for profit on trade done based on an average of
the past three years. The figures have been very carefully gone into,
and, judging from the amount of cash paid for goods during the half
year and the trade done in the department, we are satisfied that the
estimate is a very accurate one.
In spite of this great set-back the position of the Society
was a record of work well done, the indications showing that
the trouble was the means of knitting our members more
closely together, and of making them more determined
that we should go on and prosper.
Going on to the end of the year 1902 we find that the
members increased to 29,346, and the year's trade to
£798,201, an increase on the previous year of £25,854. The
members' share capital increased to £624,062. The sum of
£72,520 was lent out on mortgage and £51,365 was repaid ;
the balance then outstanding in the Cottage Building
Department being £297,167. To educational purposes
£3,157 was devoted, and a similar sum given as bonus to
servants.
In the first half of the year 1903 the 43rd and 44th
Grocery and Provision Branches, Belmont and Ivy Road,
and the 22nd Butchering Branch was opened on February
13th at St. Anne's Street, HaJliwell Road. A piece of land
was also taken in Woodgate Street, Great Lever, upon
which it was proposed to erect a Grocery and Provision
Branch and a Butchering Branch. Alterations were under-
taken at the Folds Road Branch, with the object of making
provision there for a Butchering Department.
At the end of the year 1903 the members had increased
to 30,736, and the year's trade to £821,084, an increase of
£18,377. The Cottage Building advances were £61,810.
656 History of the Great and Little Bolton
and the repayments ^^50,759. The balance due to the Society
was ;£3o8,203. Members were credited with £120,615 as
dividend on their purchases, and ;£3,232 was granted for
educational purposes.
The first half of 1904 was not quite so promising, the
statement being : — ■
Each balance sheet we have issued during the past five and a half
years has shown substantial increase in trade over the corre-
sponding period of the previous year — so substantial that between
the first half of 1898 and the first half of 1904 there is an increase of
;^i20,oo6, or 29 per cent, the trade for the half year just ended
amounting to ;^4r4,23i. This was £y,'ioo less than the same period
of the previous year. We cannot expect a growing trade when we
see in our local papers daily an appeal for subscriptions to relieve
distress, and when we ourselves have seen the necessity during the
past few weeks of distributing relief to the extent of over £100.
Such times as we are now passing through show other advantages
to be derived through association with our Society outside its trading
department. Each member has an investment account with the
Society, and many persons who are suffering through slackness of
work are enabled to come to us week by week to withdraw from the
money we have assisted them to save small sums to help them
through the trade depression.
The withdrawals, including interest and dividend, paid
out during the half year amounted to £133,540. In
spite of all the adverse circumstances the share capital
increased £9,757 in the six months. The many adverse
influences at work during 1904, which affected so power-
fully the spending power of the members, caused a
considerably decreased trade on the year, amounting to
£31,331. The members increased during the year up to
31,369 in number, and they received in dividend £116,652,
in addition to which £1,114 was paid for checks cashed in
the Office. The sum of £3,045 was set apart for educational
purposes, and £781 for charitable purposes, including £315
specially used for the relief of distress, and £100 to the
British Cotton-Growing Association. The dividend reserve
fund came in useful to equalise the amount required to pay
the usual 3s. in the £, and £1,948 was used for that purpose.
The natural and unavoidable growth in expenses, coupled
with a decreased trade, brought up the working expenses
to the unusually high rate of is. 7Jd. in the £.
Co-operative Society Limited,. 657
The first half of 1905 is rather of a more optimistic
character, striking as it does a spirit of congratulation to the
members to see that we came so satisfactorily through a very
depressed period. Through various economies, necessitated
by the slackness of trade, the profits were kept up to the
standard, which enabled a payment of the usual dividend of
3s. in the £, and a balance of £1,869 remained, enabling
£1,000 to be put back to the dividend reserve fund and the
rest carried forward. With increased members and capital
and the improving state of the trade of the town a better
result was anticipated. After allowing a fair list of dona-
tions, a sum of £150 was subscribed to the Thomasson
Memorial fund.
The second half of the year showed the hoped-for
improvement by an increase in the sales for the half year
over the corresponding period of the previous year of
£17,387. After allocating the usual fixed charges and the
interim dividend for the September quarter, the profits
enabled the usual 3s. in the £ to be maintained on checks
brought in for the December quarter also, and left a surplus
of £1,584, which was utilised as follows : £500 to dividend
reserve fund, £500 to general reserve fund, and the balance
carried forward. During the year the members increased
to 32,292. The year's trade was £803,169, an increase of
£13,416 on the year. The members had then standing to
their credit £665,558, an increase on the year of £13,903.
The Cottage Building advances were £61,892, and repay-
ments £57,597, leaving owing to the Society £318,472.
The sum of £116,802 was credited to members as dividend
on their purchases, in addition to which £1,130 was paid for
checks cashed in the Office. For educational purposes
£3,152 was granted, and charities benefited to the amount
of £418. The death of Mr. Hackney is fittingly commented
upon.
We deeply regret to record the death of our General Manager (Mr.
Alfred Hackney, J. P.), which took place at his residence on Saturday,
November i8th, 1905. Mr. Hackney had a long and faithful connec-
tion with the Society, first on the Educational Committee, and in
1874 was elected on the General Committee. He was first Secretary,
and then for fifteen years General Manager, during which time the
business grew from ^392,000 to ;£8o3,ooo per annum.
SS
658 History of the Great and Little Bolton
A very satisfactory statement of accounts was the result
of the second half year's trading in igo6. The increase in
membership was 795, making the total number of members
33.087, with a share capital of ^699,662. The year's trade
was £843,979, which was a record increase of £22,894 over
the previous best year. The Cottage Building advances
were £61,446, and the repayments £59,949, leaving a
balance due to the Society of £319,968. The members were
credited with £122,854 ^.s dividend on their purchases,
and also with £21,213 interest on their share capital ; £446
was given to charities, and shares in the North-Western
Co-operative Convalescent Homes Association were taken
up to the extent of £750, which amount was charged to
current expenses. There is an interesting recommendation
from the Committee of Management in this report : —
That the shop hours of the Society be reduced from 55 to 54^
hours per week, and that alterations be made in opening and closing
the departments as follows : —
All departments to close Tuesdays at 7 p.m. (formerly 7-30).
Drapery, Tailoring, Central, Boot and Shoe, Furniture, Jewellery,
and Hat and Cap to open M,onday at 8-30 a.m. (formerly 9),
to close Friday at 9 p.m. (formerly 8-30), to close Saturday at
8 p.m. (formerly 9).
Confectionery to open Friday and Saturday at 8-30 a.m. (formerly
9), to close Saturday at 8 p.m. (formerly 9).
These alterations were to come into force on March 4th,
1907.
The first half of the year 1907 was very satisfactory
indeed. The investments increased by £12,351, and the
Cottage Building Department by £9,351 : the total of these
two classes of investment standing at the very large sum
of £568,048. The great increase of sales brought the net
working expenses slightly down, with the result that the
usual dividend was declared, and after providing for all
other chargesthe sum of £1,850 was placed to the reserve
and insuiance funds. For special depreciation of Ship
Canal shares and coal wagons account the sum of £1,223
was allotted. Extensions are noted in the building opera-
tions recorded for a Butchering Department adjoining the
Willows r.ane Branch and for a Branch Grocery at Lamb
Brow, Asiley Bridge.
Co-operative Society Limited 659
The close of the year 1907 will be remembered from the
high prices which ruled in all the wholesale markets, and, as
the endeavour is to keep retail prices as low as possible
consistent with the prices we pay and the quality and
conditions under which these goods are produced and sold,
it is not surprising to find that the profits were not quite so
great as the corresponding half year. All the same an
increase of ;£43,483 is recorded in the sales, the sum for
disposal being £70,431. This amount, after providing for
all fixed charges and the payment of the usual 15 per cent
dividend, enabled a sum of £311 to be carried forward.
The results for the year 1907 are as follows : The members
increased to £34,198, a net gain of 1,111 ; sales, £909,770,
with an increase on the year of £65,791 ; the share capital
showed an increase of £16,929 ; Cottage Building advances
were £81,322 ; repayments, £57,518, an increase of £23,804 ;
the balance due to the Society on mortgages being £343,773-
Members were credited with £21,853 as interest on their
share capital, and with £130,812 as dividend on their
purchases.
The first half of 1908 was a very trying one, the market
for food products having been a constantly fluctuating one,
and, taking an average of the six months, the prices were
considerably in advance of those of the same period in the
previous year ; also during the six months trade locally was
on the decline. Yet, notwithstanding all these adverse
circumstances, the sales for the six months again broke the
record which December, 1907, created. It is pleasing to find
a very satisfactory state of accounts, both in sales, profits,
and general solidity. The sales for the half year totalled
£470,449, being an increase over June, 1907, of £16,246,
and £14,883 over the previous highest half year. Profits,
after making the maximum allowance for depreciation,
interest on shares, and other usual charges, enabled the
usual 15 per cent dividend to be paid.
Further progress is recorded in the provision of new
offices and also for the accommodation of the Educational
Department in Bow Street. Considerable difficulty was
experienced in the foundations here, the architects coming
66o History of the Great and Little Bolton
across a bit of old Bolton in the form of three old and very-
large gas tanks. These had to be excavated, and sohd
foundations built therein, and the removal of the rubbish
and refilling with fresh material was both costly and
delayed progress. A new Branch Store at the corner of
Danby Road and Calvert Road, Great Lever, was in course
of erection at this time, and also a new Branch Shoe Shop
adjoining the Halliwell Road top shop.
Owing to the serious trade depression throughout the
country, both in cotton, engineering, and allied trades,
and particularly in our own town during the cotton dispute,
the sales for the last six months of the year were con-
siderably below the average, it being necessary to transfer
from the dividend reserve fund the sum of ^^767 to enable a
dividend of 3s. in the £ to be paid for the six months. This
points to the value of this fund, for, by taking the course
adopted, it enabled all fixed charges to be fuUy met, and
depreciation to be effected at the maximum amount allowed
as per rules. To add to the difficulties the wheat squeeze
was engineered, and the wholesale prices for the leading
articles of consumption were very hard. The year's results
were as follows : —
£ s. d.
Sales for the Year 888389 1 4J
Profit on Year's Trade 135991 18 2J
Dividend Credited to Members 129847 16 i
Interest „ „ 22266 18 6
Granted for Educational Purposes 3399 16 o
Advances to Members on Cottage Property.. 92134 11 4J
Repayments by Members on Cottage Pro-
perty 70200 o 5
Share Capital of Members 725045 14 8
Total Reserves —
Insurance Fund ;^I2288 7 7
Dividend Reserve 2783 9 3
Reserve Fund 17746 5 loj
32818 2 8i
Members have increased from 34,198 to 35,194.
The report for the half year ended June, 1909, reads as
follows : —
In rendering to you an account of the Society's workings for the
past half year we are pleased to state that, though trade is not what
Co-operative Society Limited. 66i
it was twelve months ago, we are not faced with 'the same depres-
sion that we had to experience during the latter half of 1908. Prices,
however, in the wholesale trade have been very hard, and your Com-
mittee have had many difficulties to face when regulating selling
prices of the ordinary commodities of life, and have endeavoured
throughout the half year to sell the best of quality with a reasonable
margin of profit.
During the half year 1,372 persons have joined the Society and
go6 have withdrawn, leaving 35,660 members on the registers of the
Society, or an increase of 466.
The trade for the half year amounts to ^469,599. 9s. id., which is
a decrease on the corresponding period of twelve months ago of £850
2S. gd., which, it must be remembered, was the record half year, when
we showed an increase of ^^22,308. 3s. 4d. for the six months.
Our profit has been well maintained, the amount disposable being
£75i^75- Ss., which again allows of a 3s. in the £ dividend and the
usual charges, leaving a balance of /6,6oo. 6s. gd., which was dealt
with as shown in the disposal of balance account. It is as well to
point out here that a portion of this surplus is largely due to the fact
that checks were taken in earlier than usual, which means that many
of our members who brought in their checks earlier have still many
checks on their sheets carried over to next quarter, and in anticipa-
tion of this we have transferred such a, sum to dividend reserve to
cover this contingency.
Our share capital shows an increase of ;^8,8go. 4s. iijd., and now
stands at ;^733;935- iQs- 7i<i.
We 'feel sure that our members were gratified with the success
which attended the special window display made by the Society, and
thanks are due to the various Managers, who entered into the spirit
of the display with a determination to be in the forefront of progress.
In closing this our report for the first half of our Jubilee year, may
we ask each and every member for increased loyalty to our movement
by increasing their purchases from us, so as to give this year the
honour of being not. only the Jubilee year, but the best year in the
history of our Society ?
The last report for the year 1909 shows that although
the miUion mark has not been reached we have got very
near to it. As a grand summary of the work of the year
it is interesting : —
We have pleasure in presenting to you the statement of accounts
for the half year ending December 14th, igog, and in doing so would
take this opportunity of congratulating the members on the satisfac-
tory progress made during the Jubilee year of the Society.
The sales for the half year amount to ;^448,ioi. i6s. 7^d., being an
increase over the corresponding period of igo8 of ;^30,i62. 7s. id.
662 Great and Little Bolton Co-operative Society Limited.
The profit on the half year's working, after charging ^12,134
7s. 2d. interest on members' capital and £'i,^5o. 15s. 6d. depreciation,
amounts to £(>5,i9g. 9s. yd., which amount, with £i,yoo. 6s. gd.
brought from the June half year, makes a disposable balance of
^66,899. i6s. 4d. From this amount we are again enabled to pay a
dividend of 3s. in the £ for the December quarter, and allot our other
usual charges, leaving a balance to be carried forward to next half
year of £(>-2.. os. rod.
Our Jubilee year's results are as follows : —
Number of Members, 36,001 ; increase, 807.
Record Sales, £giy,yoi. 5s. 8^d. ; year's increase, ;^29,3i2
4s. 2d.
Share Capital, £737,7B-i. 13s. 3d. ; increase, £12,7^7. i8s. 7d.
Cottage Building Balance, £^o^,ggi. 3s. 8Jd. ; increase,
;£38,370. 7s- 8d.
Interest Credited to Members, ;^24,368. 19s. 7d.
Dividend Credited to Members, ^^i 3 1,456. 9s.
Educational Grant, ;£3,509. 7s. 4d.
During the half year we have entered into and are now conducting
business in our new Ofifice, Bow Street, and we feel sure our members
will appreciate the change when they visit the Office to transact
business.
Index.
Index.
A Big Undertaking, 200
A Common Object, 21
A Wonderful Society, 279
Abattoirs, 193, ig6, 313, 314, 318, 560
Ackroyd. Mr., 61
Acresfield Offices, 46, 49, 6d, 6r, 254, 415, 448,
454, 601
Advantages of Co-operation, 278
Ainsworth, Mr., 548
„ Lane Store, 360
Albert Hall, 22:, 353
All Saints' Street Stables, 253, 254
Almanacs, 87, 121, 142, 158, 161, 162, 625
Altham, Mr., 70
Ambulance Appliances, 331
American War, 48, 49, 51, 606
Anderson, John, 47, 53, 54, 58, 64, 451
Annual Party and Entertainment, 113, 122,
132, 141, J44, 155, 159, 166, 177, 194, 199,
211, 220, 235, 240, 280, 294, 309, 321, 329,
340> 353. 355, 456, 622, 645
Armitt, John, 417
Arstall, Isaiah, 54, 55, 422
Ashton, Mrs., 30, 33, 35, 36,44, 45, 46,64, 65,
68, 443, 444, 448, 454
Ashton, Thomas, 29, 30, 31, 44, 410, 443
Ashworth, Mr., 129
Ashworth and Sons, Henry, 253
Assistant Cash Collector, 252, 253, 496
Astley Bridge Siding, 557
„ „ Stores, 163, 168, 459, 508, 630
,, Street Stores, 163, 645, 646
Atkinson, Mr., 53
Auditors, 366, 372
Bacon Store, 549
Bagshaw, Joseph, 384
Bafley, Arthur, 624
„ Colonel A.. 210
Bakers' Dispute, 344
,, Removal, 140
Baking Departme; it, 65, 99, 134, 137, 155, 180,
335, 344, 508, 524, 558. 560, 613, 639
Balance Sheets, 488, 599-660
Balshaw, John, 47, 115, 167, 168, 451
Banana Conditioning Room, 324
Bank of Bolton, 202
Bank Street Shop, 33, 34, 45, 47, 117, 153.254,
447, 448, 451, 452, 463. 476, 480, 495, 601
Bank Top Store, 253, 573, 654
Banking with Wholesale, 156
Bar, 66, 67
Barlow and Jones, 33, 112
,, James, 113
Barnes, M.P., Mr., 74
Bel], Robert, 418
Belmont Store, 192, 201, 573, 655
Bennett's Lane Store, 237
Bentley, John, 368. 417
„ William, 315. 317, 344, 419, 488
Bishop of Manchester, 456, 645
„ Wakefield, 260
Blackburn, William, 86
Boardman, Freeman, 96, 416, 422, 434, 451,
452, 535
Boer War, 239
Bolton Congress, qi
„ Chamber of Commerce, 487
„ Friendly Society, 25, 29, 444. 478
Bolton Gas Light and Coke Company, 548,
660
Bolton, Robert, 217
„ Union Spinning Company, 109
Bonsor, Cosmo, 515
Bonus Tea, 331, 332, 347, 348
Bonus to Servants, 93, 94, 221, 222, 223, 224,
240, 242, 245, 317, 326, 336, 346, 348, 647,
654. 655 ,
Boot and Shoe Department, 122, 124, 148,
i49> 155, 167, 168, 180, 230, 241, 326, 379,
501, 562, 601, 609, 63r, 632, 636, 643, 658
Bow Street Land, &c., 86, 88, 97, gS, 99, 185,
508
Bradley, W. J., 289, 324, 329, 331, 332, 334,
340, 343, 353. 482, 483
Bradshaw and Gass, 151, 209, 215, 270, 272,
273. 274, 283, 299, 300, 301, 302, 313, 323,
536, 539- 540, 548
Bradshaw and Harwood Society, 90, 91
„ Butcher's Shop, 237
J. J.. 211
„ Reading Room, 133
„ Store, 90, 115, 573, 625
Bramwell, John, 53, 416
Bray, Henry, 244, 502, 503, 570
Brearley, Mr., 55
Breightmet Store, 305, 309, 326
Bridge, John, 31. 32. 414
„ Joseph, 31, 44, 414
Bridge Street and Bark Street, 122, 124, r54,
497, 632, 643
Bridge Street Mill, 14S, 155, 554, 643
„ „ Offices, 613
„ ,. Stores, 98, 151, 154, 508, 614, 615
Brierley, Mr., 43
Briggs and Bailey, 393
British Cotton Growing Association, 656
Broadhurst, Henry, 235, 236
Bromley Cross Siding, 557
Brooks, Mrs. Catherine, 237
Brown, William, 8i, 165
Index.
665
Brownlow Fold, 79, gg, 394, 395, 618, 619, 632
Brownlow, Henry Hardman, 253, 267, 418, 479,
480, 491
Bugle Horn Colliery, to6, 112, 389, 427-40, 630
Building Department, 7'i, 76
„ „ Rules, 420-3
BuUfield Siding, 557
Bullough, H. H., 38
„ James, 75
„ John, 30, 32, 38, 44
„ Thomas, 38
Bulmer, Thomas, 68, 72, 73, 74
Burnden Store, 192, 205, 649
Burns Street Store, 87, 88, 109, 113, 115, 484,
496, 508
Bury Society, 227, 433
Butchering Department, 100, 127, 128, 133, 144,
150, 171, r93, 205, 241, 295, 326, 459, 498,
566, 567, 601, 602, 629, 637, 648
Butchering Stores, 378
Butcher's Stall in Market, 40
Butter and Margarine Bill, 332
Cain, George, 201
Calvert Road Store, 324, 326, 332, 336
Canadian Cattle Bill, 332
Cannon, W. W., 91
Carr, John, 144, 152, 456, 495
Carter, G. R., 192
Carters' Jackets and Hats, 109
Cartwright, F. H., 237
Cassady, James, 416
Castle Hill Store, 288
Central Stores, 36, 57, 58, 63, 65, 66, 79, 88,
148, 151, 154, 156, 167, 447, 449, 450, 454,
459, 503. 552, 553. 559. 613, 632, 635, 643,
658
Chadwick, Thomas, ^y
Checks, 34, 86, 127, 132, 231, 248, 289, 290, 306,
307, 308, 487, 611, 6r4, 638
Checks on Milk, 175
,, ,, Sugar, 129
Chequerbent Society, 243
Children's Charter, 355
Children's Festival, 275, 582
Choral Society, 358, 477, 582
Chorley Old Road Butchers, 3 34
Church Road Store, 185
Cigars, 164
Classes on Co-operation, 258, 582
Clegg, W., 86, 96
Clogging, no, 115
Clothing Club, 627, 572, 573
Coals, 87, roo, 160, 173, 174, 241, 556, 622, 623
Coal Bagging Department, 160, 557
n M 1) Sales, 558
Coffey, Mr., 86, 548
Cole, Joseph, 137
Commission Trading, 602
„ . ,, Dropped, 80, 619, 620
Committee of Management Names, 367, 368,
615
Committees' Salaries, 648, 653
Compensation Act, 389, 390
, Confectionery Department, 148, 155, 158, 524,
658
Confidence Established, 21
Contracting Terms, 284
Contribution Books, 624
Convalescent Homes, 253, 291, 292, 479, 481,
520, 658
Cook, Mr., 55
Cooper, Councillor J. T., 525. 531
Co-operation During Cotton Famine, 50, 52
Co-operative Association (Bolton District),
352. 480
Co-operative Cabinet-makers' Society, 472,
478, 595. 596
Co-operative Congress, 625, 626, 650
„ Hall, 93, 573
,, Insurance Society, 75, 474, 508,
623, 632, 643
Co-operative Landowning Society, 334
,, News, 87, 22^, 329, 475, 623, 625
,, Printing Society, 164. 478
,, Production, 280, 283
,, Union, 156, 164, 179, 477, 530
,, Veterans, 533-5
,, Wholesale Society, 52, 56, 179,
182, 342
Cottage Building Department, n8, 154, 166,
172, 2r2, 237, 260, 286, 295, 31S, 360, 391-
401, 454, 492, 507, 548, 628, 629, 631, 633,
638, 642, 644, 645, 646, 648, 649, 652, 653,
, 655, 656, 657, 658, 659, 660, 662
Cottagers' Pigs, 81
Cottam, James, 196
Cotton Famine, 49, 50, 154, 606
,, Growing Association, 332, 656
Craddock Lane Siding, 557
Crankshaw, William, 56, 57, 62, 64, 65, 69, yy,
416, 445
Cranksha,w, Mrs., 65
Cremona Congress, 332
Crook, Edward Staton, 58, 450, 451
„ James P., 58, 62, 320, 321, 323, 460
„ Robert, 31, 414
Crossley, Thomas, 259, 262, 267, 268, 309, 315,
542. 596
Crowshaw, Richard G., 216, 417, 418, 596
Crowther, Samuel, 131
Cunliffe, George, 57, 58, 97, 100, 104
Cunliffe and Freeman, 394
Dairy Machinery, 305, 560
Danby Road Store, 343, 348, 660
Dance, William, 70, 458
Daroy Lever Store, 109, 459, 508
Daubhill Siding, 557
Daubhill Stores, 71, 80, 81, 99, 127, 168, 395,
464, 508, 615, 616, 636, 637, 642
Dawson, Stanley, 43
„ Thomas, 237
Deakin, Edward, 192
Deane Church Lane Store, 248, 288, 336, 654
„ Manufacturing Company, 324
„ Road Store, 172, 217, 242, 248, 648
Debating Society, 289, 483, 582
Delegates' Meeting, 85
Delegates to Congress (Educational), 137, 138
Dennis, Charles, 472
Departmental Receipts in 1907, 335
666
Index.
Depreciation, 141, 143, 240, 241, 242, 326, 327,
333. 334> 360, 425, 426, 604, 628, 636, 642, 645,
646, 647, 649, 650, 651, 652, 654, 660, 662
Derby, Earl of, 451
Derby Street Stores, 44, 46, 47, 68, 71, 79, 81,
99, 117, 141, 153, 254, 443, 447, 448, 450,
45I1 503, 519, 601, 615, 616, 640
Diggle, H., 224
„ James, 56^
Dillon, Edward, 77, 416, 422
District Reading Rooms, 165
Ditchfield, Charles, 65, 83, 86, 158, 172, 252,
492. 509
" Divi." Day, 510, 511, 512
Dividend Reserve Fund, 318, 326, 360, 389,
649, 650, 654, 657, 660, 661
Dividend Reserve Fund Originator, 309
Dividends, 217, 219, 230, 240, 268, 279,309, 317,
326,333, 34i> 358, 359.408, 511,512,600-21,
638, 649, 650, 652, 653, 654, 656-62
Divining Rod in Bolton, 193
Dobson Road Store, 251, 654
„ Sir B. A., 210, 300
„ Thomas, 343, 482, 542
Doffcocker Stores, 237, 242, 348, 360, 644
Drapery Department, 89, 106, 122, 127, 149,
168, 171, 178, 180, 191, 205, 208, 209, 210,
219, 235, 272, 274, 275, 295, 296, 299, 354,
496, 497, 508, 559. 561, 601, 632, 636, 637,
643, 646, 650, 651, 654, 655, 658
Drapery Fire, 272, 273
Drill Hall, 524
Eagley Society, 94, 100, no, in, 124, 254
Earl of Bradford, 131, 192
Earlestown Society, z2i
Earthenware Business started, 81
Eccles, Fred. 573
„ James, 44, 95
Edge, Knowles, 185
Edgworth Society, 124, 433
Educational Committee Minutes, 121, 306
„ „ Salaries, 121,287
Educational Department, ro6, in, 118, 121,
124, 127, 141, 157, iGo, 175, 178, 181, 185,
284, 312, 313, 506, 549, 550, 574
Educational Department Accounts, 615
Educational Grant, 37, 38, 52, 53, 84, 138,
224-8, 240, 286, 317, 357, 359, 454, 579>
600, 649, 652-7, 660, 662
Educational Work, 78, 106, 147, 176, 236, 238,
257. 258, 275, 276, 286, 287, 574
Egerton Society, 124, 128
Electric Cables, 315, 316
„ Illuminations, 532
,, Lighting, 133, 156,456
Emery, Mr., 344
Employes' Treats, 137, 165
Engineering Department, 99, 559
Entwistle, Mrs., 70
„ Thomas, 192, 459, 460
„ William, 96, 141, 142, 157, 424
Eskrick Street Stores, 171, 178, 646, 648
Evening Classes, 287, 581
Excursion Department, 142, 165
Facts of the Society, 409
Farm Bought, 357, 379
Fairbrother, Samuel, 175, 187, 417, ^yS, i^yy
Farnworth, Eli, 229
„ Percy, 573
„ Society, 57, 68, 6g, 70, 71, 200,
221, 320
Fielding, J, T,, 190, 471
„ Matthew, 195, 196
First Dividend, 599
„ Horse and Cart, 6 /
., Report, 599
Fishwick James, 221, 222, 224
Fishwick, Jonathan, 54, 55, 57, 61, 64, 8, 342,
464, 465, 624
Fletcher, James, 175, 448
„ Junr.. John, 55
„ Peter, 64
„ Samuel, 32, 53. 65
Flitcroft, William, 309, 447
Folds Road Store, 119, 288, 459, 50S, 632,
633, 635. 636. 655
Forber, J. P., William, 324, 329, 481
Forrest, Rev, E. A., 309, 310
Forster, H. O., 176
W, E., 109
Foster, Mr,, 129
Fox, Thomas, yy, 95
Fray, Robert, 596
Fruit Trade (Dried), 555, 556
Furniture Department, 106, 122, 128, 148, 149,
155, 504. 505. 567* 568, 630, 632, 636, 658
Garstang, Dr., 53
Gayler, W,, 515
General Managers and Secretaries, 364, 365
„ Offices, 163
Generous Grants, 523, 651, 653
George Street Stores, 131, 638
Gerrey, Henry, 46, 55, 64, 78, 157, 158,416,422,
453, 454. 455. 472, 484, 487
Gibbon Street Store, 178, 646
Gill, M.P., A. H., 340, 342
Glover, Mr,, 97
Gray, J. C. 267
Greenhaigh, William, 342, 343
Greening, E. O., 119, 120
Grocery Departments, 241
Ground Rents, 71, 144, 175, 344
Grime, James, 96, 97, 324, 434, 435, 458
,, Robert, 454
Grindrod, James M., 238, 306, 505, 506
Grundy, Alfred, 315
Guest, Abraham, 449
Hackney, Alfred, 113, 119, 129, 132, 141, 158,
244, 267, 274, 314, 317, 322, 416, 417, 436,
456, 487, 507, 508, 629, 657
Half-day Holiday Movement, 603
Half-fees, 199, 225, 581
Hall, Nathaniel, 573
Halliwell Road Boot and Shoe Shop, 344,
348, 660
Halliwell Siding, 557
„ Stores, 99, 128, 508, 627, 636, 642
Index.
667
Hampson. Frederick, 168, 501
Hardcastle, Albert, 478
„ Thomas, 91, 133
Hardman, Charles, 555
,, Joseph, 501, 502, 569
,, Mr., 55
Hardy, John, 571
Hargreaves, Thomas, iig, 121, 129, 132, 416
Harper, Mr., 115
Hart, Mr., 55
Harwood, M.P,, George, 166, 262-4, 267, 525,
526, 529-32
Harwood, Henry, 530
Harwood, Alderman R., 79
Haselden, Mr., 151
Haslam, Edwin, 183, 185
Hat and Cap Department, 124, 128, 211, 215,
216. 568, 569, 637. 658
Hat and Cap Department started, 8i
Haydock, Mr., 222
Healey, Samuel, 82, 83
Hebden Bridge Society, 221, 628
Hemmings Thomas, 43, 365, 370
Henn, Rev. H., 267
Keys, William, 30, 44, 243, 446
Heywood, J. P., Alderman John, 309, 475
Hibbert Street Stores, gi, 99, 133, 168, 503,
624, 625, 638
Hick, Hargreaves, and Co., 559
Higginson, R. V.. 596
High Street Stores, 288, 508, 643
Higher Bridge Street Shop, 624
Hilton, John, 104
,, Thomas, 573
„ Robert, 201, 202, 253
Hilton, William Arthur, 165, 166, 192, 2r8, 220,
228, 235, 238, 239, 240, 244, 247, 292, 299,
301. 303, 304. 309. 310. 315, 329. 383. 417*
418, 468. 474, 475, 535
Hihnell, R. G., 471
History of Society, 518
Hodge, John, 417
Holiday Making, 206, 407, 637
Holidays, Sr, 159, 160, 385, 386, 387
Holland, John, 32, 45
Hollas, John, 44, 45, 64, 65, 416
Horridge, James, 30, 38, 39, 44, 445, 446
Holt, Arthur. 417
„ James, 65
Holtham, J. A., 417
Holyoake, George J., 92
Holyoake Memorial, 333
Hope, A. J., 536, 539
Horrocks, John, 315, 465, 466
Horses, Number of, 464
Hours of Labour, 381, 382, 383, 384, 464, 624,
628, 646, 658
Howaah, James, 224
„ John, 33, 38, 416
„ Robert, 216, 418, 478, 479
Hughes' Bill on Limited Liability, 74
Hughes, Tom, 301, 529
Hunt, Henry, yy
Ice-making Plant, 560
Income Tax, 142, 513, 514, 5^5
Individual Inspectorships Abolished, 106
Infirmary^ ri2
Inland Revenue, 99, 555
Insurance Fund, 155, 288, 318, 326, 332, 360,
389, 645-9, 654 660
Insurance Society, 166, 623, 632, 643
Interest Reduced, 139, 140, 141, 205, 641, 649
Investments, 318, 334
Isherwood, Samuel, 373
Ivy Road Store, 336, 655
Jackson, Sydney, 79, 192, 416, 422, 459, 624
Jewellery Department, 216, 217, 501, 502,
569 658
Johnson, William, 97, 416, 422, 457, 458, 624
Jones, William, 167, 416
„ W.T.,345
Jubilee Challenge Cups, 523
„ Fund. 358, ^59, 520
., of Queen Victoria, 148, 150
of Society, 352, 353, 357, 358, 359. 5i9
Kay, Thomas, 43, 416
Kay Street and All Saints' Street Site
bought, 137, 639
Kay Street Bakery, 141, 143, r55, 639, 640
Kevan, P. and J., 366, 374, 460, 644
Kidson, A. F., 195, 196
King's Coronation Festivities, 270, 271, 276
King Edward VII., Letter to, 250
Kingsley, Charles, 529, 541
Kirkman, John, 26, 477, 478, 596
Knight, Frank, 347
Lamb Brow Store, 324, 326, 333, 336, 658
Land Question, 339
Lander, William, 165, 175, 17S, 181, 1S2, 185,
187, 192, 194, 200, 201, 208, 211, 267, 300,
328, 353, 354, 417, 471, 472, 473, 476, 477.
531
Large Hall, 66, 78, 79, 99, 100, 102, 118, 129,
r32, 141, 159, 182, 186, 194, 199, 240, 257,
267 573, 615, 630
Lark Street Temperance Hall, 36, 61, 100,
lor, r27, 165, 508, 612
Laundry, 324
Lawson, John Wilfred, 475, 476
Leakage Account started, 96
Lee Thomas, 332
Leeds Society, 386
Lectures, 581
Leigh Co-operative Society, 611
Lena Street Store, 288
Lending Library, 141, 157, 225, 226, 258, 287,
307. 454t 549. 579, 580, 630
Lever Street Siding, 557
Lever, W. H., 251, 252
Little Bolton Gas Works, 86
„ Hulton Society, 124
„ Lever Society, 124
Literary Committee, yi, 72, 73, 84, 87, 99, 100,
102, 104
London and North- Western Stock, 109
Ludlow, J. M., 93
668
Index.
Makin, William, 53
Management Fund, 37, 605, 608
Managers' Class. 581
Manchester and Salford Society, 144
Manchester Ship Canal Co., 182, 424, 425, 426,
651, 652
Mann, Mr., 532
Marsden, Joseph, 58, 98, 103, 394
„ J. H. and G., 273, 274
Marshall William, 134
Martindale, William, 342, 352, 419, 536, 547
Mather, Mr., 55
Maxwell, William, 147, 174, 175
May Day Procession, 323
Mc.Innes, Duncan, 340
Meadowcroft, S., 347
Mellowdew, John, 122
Membership, 284
Mercer, Walter E., 499, 565
Merthyr Tydvil Distress Fund, 106
Miles, Alderman John, 279, 280
Milk Department, 144, 192, 241, 271, 570-2, 644
Monks, James, 480
Mitchell, J. T. W., 103, 104, 119, 120, 155, 179
Moorhouse, Dr., 159
Moor Lane Store, 119, 123. 508, 633, 635, 636
Mortgage Deeds, 140, 324
Morris Green Store, 178, 646
Morton, John, 26, 29-31, 44, 414, 444, 445
Moscrop, Thomas, 175
Mosley, Richard, 172, 536, 540
Motor Lurries. 328
Musgrave and Sons, 559
,, Road Store, 229, 230
Murray, Adam, 515
„ Walter. 504, 505, 567
Name of Society, 410, 416, 417, 443, 519
Naylor, Henry, 229, 238
Neale, E. V., 158, 397
New Offices and Educational Department,
312, 323. 336, 357, 360, 536, 539-42. 547-50,
659. 663
Newcastle Co-operative Society, 164, 178
Newport Street Store, 87, 88, 109, 113, 154,
484, 503, 612, 615, 616
Nicholson, J., 61
,, Thomas, 365, 370,446
„ Alderman William, 260
Nisbet, William, 573
Nomination Powers Increased, 639
Number of Employes, 242, 310, 326, 336
Number of Members, 317, 327. 333, 336, 355,
360, 605, 621, 636, 642, 644, 645, 646-50,
652, 653, 655-62
Nuttall, John, 296, 418, 419, 542
Ogden, Mr., 64
„ Joseph. 503, 504
Oldham Society, in, 227
Opening of First Shop, 32, 39
Opening of Reading and Conversation
Rooms, 101-103
Ormerod, Joseph, 122, 632
„ Oliver, 185
Orrell, Wright, 64
Owen, Robert, 355
Owen Memorial Fund, 653
Painting Department, 249, 274, 284, 296, 654
Pare, William, 93, 94
Parr, Rev. T., 525
Past and Present Officers, 363-5
Peans, Mr., 164
Pearson's Mill, 33, 34, 39, 62, 457
Pendleton Society, 144
Pennington, Robert, 231
Penrhyn Dispute, 283
Pikes Lane Store, 242, 243, 248, 508, 627, 632
Pilkington, Squire H., 324
Pilling, E., 238
Pingstone, H. C, 302
Pioneers, Number of, 45
Places of Business of the Society, 376, 377
Plurality of Offices, 303, 304
Plymouth Society, 323
Pomfret, Joseph, 172, 183, 194, 211, 230, 239,
240, 244, 268, 295, 315, 320, 322, 331, 347,
417, 418, 484, 487, 488
Pomfret, Walter, 172, 573
Potts, J., 224,228,229
Pratt, John Tidd,4i4
Prevention of Corruption in Trade Bill, 283
Primrose, Sir H., 515
Procter, Mr., 67
Productive Departments, 380
Productive Exhibitions, 186, 231, 260, 520,
524. 525, 526
Productive Work, 179, 561
Progress in Decades, 404, 406
Progression Boom, 454, 600
Prohibited Book, 176, 177
Purchases from Wholesale, 594
Quantities of Leading Articles Sold Weekly,
288
Queen's Diamond Jubilee, 215, 650
,, Funeral, 250
,, Jubilee, 472
Queen Street Mission, 191, 216
Queen Victoria's Death, 250
Radcliffe, Walter, 571
Rates, 142, 184, 360
Rathbone, Mr., 64
Reading-room and Library, 114, 121
Reading-rooms, 226, 579, 604
Record, 202, 227, 506, 589
„ Advertisements, 201
„ Sales, 662
Reddick, William, 62
Reddish, Sarah, 355
„ Thomas, 624
Reduction of Interest, 205
Rejoicings on Arrival of Cotton, 51
Relief of Distress, 175, 191, 221, 239, 305, 523,
647, 648, 656
Rent of First Shop, 30
Reopening Drapery Stores, 296
Index.
669
Reserve Fund, 49, 141,240,287,318,326, 333,
359j 360, 388, 389, 410, 602, 604, 638, 642,
645, 646-9, 652, 654, 657, 660
Restaurant Department, 238, 243, 244, 247, 248,
276, 475> 502, 503, 554. 570
Rigby, Joseph, 129
„ W., 121, 157
Riley, William, 498, 566
Rishton Lane Store, 643, 644
Roberts, William, 53
Rochdale Corn Mill, 37, 56, 104, 312, 458, 466,
603-5, 609-n
Rochdale Society, 26, 30, 31, iii, 223, 227, 228,
386, 524
Rose Hill Store, 137, i4r, 639
Rothwell, Oswald, 95, 419, 464, 504
Rowe, James, 77, 422
Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society, 328
Rules, 345, 41G-19, 628, 629, 651, 652
Rules Revision, 292-4
Sadler, M.E., 141
St. Ann's Street Store, 288
St. George's Street Property, 313
St. Helens Road Store, 237, 295
St. James' Infant School, 254, 257
Salary of Committees, 648, 653
Sales, igo, 197, 219, 230, 236, 240, 241, 280, 317,
330, 333, 335, 336, 339. 346, 347, 351, 359,
406, 455, 621, 636, 642-62
Sausage Making, 122, 123
Scholarship Scheme, 343, 581
Scowcrof t, Dr., 254
„ John, 70
Seddon, John, 54, 55, 57, 447
Seddon, M.P., Mr., 330
Selkirk, John Thomas, 481
Sewerage Works, 84
Share Capital, 240, 285, 317, 327, 336, 348, 36a,
607, 6zi, 6^4-7, 649, 654-6, 659-62
Share and Loan Accoants with Wholesale,
593
Shaw, Samuel, 78
Sheppard, William, 492
„ Senr., William, 77, no, 492
Shillito, John, 266
Shoemakers, 116, 134
Shoe Repairing Machinery, 294
Shooting Prize, 284
Shop Hours Bill, 385
Shop Inspector. 152
Sickroom Appliances, 582, 583
Sidlow, Mr., 53, 55
Simpson, Mr., 217
Slagg, John, 472
Slater, John, 500
„ William. 54, 56, 57, 58, 64, 65, 73
Slaughter House bought, 134, 138
Small Capitalists, 188, 189
Small Savings Bank, 76, 118, 129, 149, 172,
237, 241, 318, 340, 541. 548, 629, 631, 633.
636, 638, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646, 648
Smith, Francis, 54, 73, 83
„ Thomas, 324
., . T. E , 172
Soap Trust, 319
Spencer, Inspector, 195
Spinners' Hall, 240, 268
Stables, 217, 253
Star opposite retiring Committee names
discontinued, 347
Start of Society, 29, 39, 44, ir7, 153
Staton, J. T., 600
Stears, J., 193
Stevenson, Thomas, 365, 370
Stockdale, Mr., 65
Stocktaking, 80, 219, 626
Street Improvements, 128, 175, 185, 209
Strike in Iron Trade, 148, 149, 216, 217
Subscriptions, 242
Sugar Bounties Bill, 155
Sugar Tax, 266, 267
Surplus Capital, 161, 600, 616
Swayles, Mr., 2ot
Sweets Sold, 91
Sweetloves Store, 248
Tailoring Department, 71, 89, 95, 124, 129,
149, 157, 175, 179, 2ir, 215, 216, 2ig, 220,
232, 233, 234, 235, 312, 315, 499, 500, 524,
56o, 562, 565, 566, 616, 658
Taylor, Albert, 557
„ James, rSi
John, 573
„ Samuel, 97, 103, iig, 157, 160, 458, 466,
467
Technical Committee, 453, 472
„ School, 144, 160, 257, 267
Telephones, 151, 345, 649
Temperance Hall, gi, 118, 129, 132, 141, 155,
159, ^78) 194) 220, 240, 272, 273, 274, 300,
321, 340
Temperley, George, 243, 244, 257, 271
Thomasson, John, 129, 155, 157, 159, 160, J83,
202, 456, 587
Thomasson, John P., 164, 188, 189, 251, 269,
304, 305
Thomasson, Mrs. Kathrine, 304, 329
Thomasson Memorial Fund, 657
Thomasson Reading-room, 250, 251, 268, 269,
305. 582
Thornley, J.P., Dr., 525
Thwaites Street Store, i3r, 137, 141, 639
Tobacco Factory, 123
Tonge Fold Butchers, 174
„ „ Store, 185, 645
„ Head Farm, 151, 275, 644
,, John, 70
„ Moor Boot and Shoe, 238, 248
„ „ Reading-room, 174, ij$
„ .. Store, 642, 643
Towers, Thomas, 71, 73
Trade, 285
Trades Council. 176
Traders' Defence Association, 183, 188, 207,
3". 315
Transferable Shares, 28
Treasurers, 86. 365
Trustees, 46, 365, 369
Tripe, igr, 195-7, 201, 202, 253, 561
Tunstall, John, 70, gy, 306, 416, 435, 452, 453,
I 535.624
670
Index,
Turton Road Reading Room, 201
„ ,. Store, 166, 173, 646
Tweddell, Thomas, 178
Tyldesley, Edmund, 160, 356
106, 168, 508, 624,
Venture Street Stores,
638
Verifying Members Dropped, 144
Vernon Street Store, 106, 459, 508
Vickers, Walter, 35, 47, 65, 129, 254,
Victoria Hall, 330
Victory Store, 459, 508, 63 -l, 642, 649
Voting Record. 85
Waddington. M , 73
,, Messrs.. 103
Wages, Standard Rate of, 181, 182, 326, 356
Walkden, John T., 229, 419
Walker, Joseph. 64, 65, 68, 77, 86, 422
Wallbank, James, 253, 496
Walsh, Thomas, 43, 44, 54, 55, 416, 422
Warehouse Department, 148, 554-6
Waring, Mrs., 35
Waterloo Street Store, 254, 257, 288
Webster, Mr,, 193
Wednesday Afternoon Holiday, 624
West, William. 344, 558
Whittaker, Mr., 56 73
Whittle, James Cave, 429
„ Teddy, 201, 235
Whittle, Thomas, 289
Wholesale Society. loi, 103, 104, 156, 163, 164,
208, 21-, 221. 233, 266, 302, 312, 320, 325,
327, 389. 437, 438, 439, 458, 465, 466, 472,
473. 477. 505. 569. 591. 592, 609, 610, 623,
626, 627
Wholesale Society, Purchases from. 594
Wholesale Society, Share and Loan Account,
593
Wilberforce, Thomas, 142
Wild, James, go
„ Richard, 90
Williams, John, ri6, 397, 459, 535
Willows Lane Butchering Department, 333,
658
Wilson, M.P., W. T., 525, 532
Winder, Robert, 54
Window Display, 661
Women's Guild, 147, 582, 584, 587, 588
Wood, Caleb, zig
Wood, Thomas, 436
Woodgate Street Store, 283, 295, 655
Working Expenses, 129, 309, 333, 635, 636,
640, 653, 656
Worsley, J. P.. John, 165, 228, 244, 460, 463
„ Joseph, 223
Yates, James, 33
Yates, William 302, 312, 315, 321, 342. 343, 344,
345, 346, 352, 353, 419, 468, 471, 525, 534,
536, 539. 5401 547 596
Year's Work in Figures, 402, 403
t^3
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